Cool to be kind

 "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  - Aesop

Parents, when your kids get home from school these new days of the school year, be sure to ask them about their accomplishments, who their teachers are, what they look forward to in their various classes, how their friends' summers went, all the usual.

And then, please remember to ask them this simple question: Did you make someone feel better today?

There are so many people with so many things dragging them down, and not everyone jumps out of bed looking forward to their day like we lucky people do.

But it doesn't cost a penny to look around the classroom or the cafeteria or gym and find someone who looks lonesome, and offer that person the hand of friendship.

I can't imagine what it would feel like to be the "new boy," just moved in from Keokuk or someplace. But if you can encourage your child to be cool to the new kid, to say an inspiring word to the one who seems a little lost, to show someone how to get around...your child just may be the one who unlocks a heart of gold.

And then others might follow your kid, and before you know it, it's anarchy, all over the place, kindness and goodness spreading like syrup on a waffle!

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."  - John Lennon