Be Nice

The phrases “use your words” and “be nice” keep going through my head. Simple principles and phrases we have all used with children, and yet, they seem to be lost on adults right now.

Some time ago I read the book, “Everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten”. Am I the only one who feels like we may need to start handing out this book?

In case you haven’t read it, the author hilariously presents the simple idea that life is a roller coaster, but simple, common sense knowledge will get us through most of it. The author, Robert Fulghum, makes it SO simple that it is something anyone and everyone can apply to their life. The one item that rings the most true for me is, “When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”

When did we lose this? “Stick together”. Two words that I believe should be a part of our every day approach to life, simply because we all are better when we work together. It sounds cheesy, but it is true.

I am a speech coach. I believe in communication and teaching our children to be able to converse about any topic in a civil and constructive manner. This includes being able to discuss a topic with someone you disagree with and walk away shaking hands.

It hurts me deeply to see how many people simply cannot do this. I am astounded and saddened by the name calling and outright nastiness coming from people. The Internet, and especially social media, have created a separation for people and many don’t realize it. I am sorry, but calling someone a name, anyone, is not ok. We are all human beings and we should be treated other human beings, ALL other human beings, with respect.

You are allowed an opinion. You are allowed to disagree with someone. But we need to learn how to discuss issues without name calling. This turns a conversation into an attack. When we wonder where kids learn to bully, this is it. They see how adults are treating each other and they act in kind.

We are living in stressful times. Showing respect and kindness for other humans, all of our fellow humans, can go a long way. What act of kindness to a fellow human being can we do today?