Kindergarten Kindness - Is it Just for 5-Year-Olds?
Two weeks ago, my youngest daughter graduated from kindergarten. If you’ve never been to a kindergarten graduation, I tell you what, it is an EXPERIENCE. There is a desperate intensity from the parents trying to record their precious babies during this momentous occasion that is in stark contrast to the adorableness of pure human potential that shows up in these 5–6-year-olds.
After a short program with songs and small speaking parts, (that had us parents enraptured as if we were watching a tony award-winning performance), the teachers had the students walk through the curtains on the stage wearing a cap and gown to receive a small diploma. As each student came out, the teacher read their name and a future profession that was chosen by that child. It was darling to hear dreams of being artists, ballerinas, policemen, scientists, and superheroes.
One little boy, however, very hesitantly walked out of the gap in the curtain. It was obvious he had been crying, but he was trying to put on a brave face to walk out there anyway. As I saw him, I thought about how powerfully he was representing how to show up even when we feel less than perfect. I was in awe of his bravery and vulnerability and immediately I felt drawn to being as supportive of this kid as I possibly could be. He hesitantly shuffled toward his teacher, who said his name and chosen profession. There was a split second where he gave his teacher a half a smile before the entire crowd of parents erupted in cheers. Turns out, I wasn’t the only parent that was fully invested in supporting this kiddo’s bravery. As we applauded him, the little boy looked out at us in pleased surprise. He then rolled his shoulders back and proudly walked to his space on the stage.
This show of support was something I didn’t realize my heart needed until I saw it. It brought tears to my eyes. How many times do we hide away when we’re feeling less than our best because we don’t want to be seen as vulnerable? What if showing up in those moments could give us the social-emotional support from others that we didn’t know we needed? On the other hand, how many times have we seen an adult struggling, but instead of responding like we did to this child, we are critical and judgmental about how the struggling adult is dealing with their problems? Why was it so easy to be kind, supportive, and forgiving to this child, but it is not as easy with our adult peers? Does potential have something to do with it? Should I just chock it all up to kindergarten adorableness?
I’m not sure I know the answer to this (yet), but I do know that this little boy inspired me to be better. Inside each of us lives that little kindergartener with dreams, fears, and potential. I’m hoping that as we go about our days and those times happen that make us want to cry, that we will continue to show up. I also hope that we see the “kiddos” within others that are hesitantly stepping into the light despite their worries, sorrows, and stressors. If we’re watching, we may have the grand opportunity to cheer their bravery. If our cheers are heard, who knows, that individual may hold their head a little higher, pull their shoulders back, and proudly walk on toward the next marker in their journey.
Thanks for reading with me today. I hope you find the opportunity to applaud someone’s potential soon (yours included).