Aimee Ashby
Sep 2, 2018 · 1 min read

Kindness and Respect Matter

One of the lessons we teach at the beginning of every school year at Gonzalez Elementary in McAllen is about kindness and respect. Treating others the way you want to be treated. One of the books I read to my students is called “Kaleidescope of Kids” and it talks about how everyone is different and unique. Children need to know that it’s ok to be different. There is no one who looks, thinks and is just like you. Embracing diversity and learning to respect the differences is a very powerful thing! There is far too much negativity and much of it stems from intolerance of the things that make us different. If we can be more open-minded and accept that not everyone has the same beliefs, customs and traditions as we do, and respect our cultural diversity, I believe our country would not be as divided as it is. I remember we used to say that the United States was the “Great American Melting Pot”. We are rich in diversity, and we need to celebrate it, not be afraid of it. It is what makes America so beautiful. A very powerful lesson is to lead by example and demonstrate kindness, respect, tolerance and treat others with grace and dignity. When children see us as role models and see how we treat others, it is a great lesson for them!

Aimee Ashby

Written by

Retired Kindergarten Teacher, Mom of 2, Author, Published in Readers Digest, June 2017 and February 2018