Hello!
In our work as social coaches, we are continuously encouraging kids to think of others. This important social skill of perspective taking can be difficult for those who have social challenges. Many of the kids who attend our program want what they want when they want it and do not consider someone else. Yet, it is the core of what friendship is; considering another and caring about them.
Our physical center has cozy bean bag chairs and floor pillows for the group participants to use during discussion and game time. We don’t always have enough for everyone, especially in our larger groups. During one of our elementary-aged social skills groups, we had one group participant who did not get a floor pillow during a game. He was visibly sad about not getting a pillow. One of the other kids got up and gave him his floor pillow. Then another child, clearly inspired by this show of leadership, decided to give his floor pillow to the boy who sacrificed his for the sad child. Then yet another gave up her floor pillow for the last boy who had given up his pillow.
This chain-reaction of kindness and empathy was heartwarming, to say the least. It gives us hope that despite the hardships that kids have endured in recent years, they are managing to remain caring and thoughtful.
Warmly,
Nadine
