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by Susan Causey, FPD School Counselor
Matthew 22: 36 – 40: When Jesus was here on earth, a man came up to him and asked him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment and the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
During the month of September, FPD students focused on the second greatest commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In first grade we made “Kindness” necklaces. In second grade, we made “Pockets of Politeness.” Third grade will be learning about respecting others and putting others first. Fourth grade is learning about having empathy. Fifth grade has been writing friendship letters and has a “Kindness is Cool” box in each room. Sixth graders produced videos on how to turn an unkind situation into a loving one.
The Bible teaches us to love our neighbor as well as to love and to pray for our enemies, but it also teaches us to speak the truth in love. Children can learn to stand up for themselves and others in a firm, confident, and kind way.
It is important for children to learn the power of words and to develop godly communication skills. Words can build up and heal and words can tear down and destroy.
How we use our words is contagious. Let’s spread the kindness bug!
Some ideas for home:
- Moderate your own language and make sure it is loving even when firm.
- Teach your children to keep confidences personal
- Don’t involve them in adult issues
- Correct your child when he/she is unkind and have him/her restate the comment in a productive way.
- When your child is unkind to a sibling or friend, put his/her name “on the board” for restriction until the child does or says something kind to his brother or sister or friend.
“In a world where you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind!”
Learn more about FPD’s Elementary Program
Susan F. Causey lives in Macon and has served as our Elementary School Counselor at FPD since 2007. She received a B.A. in English Literature and Psychology from Vanderbilt University and an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Georgia State University with a certificate in Biblical Studies. She is married to Harold and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Susan enjoys hanging out with her family, being outdoors, going on trips, biking, and working with clay. Her book, “Put on Your Ruby Slippers, We’re Heading Home – Straight Parenting in a Twister World,” is a collection of her columns offering loving, practical parenting advice for today’s young families. For more information or to contact Susan, email her at susan.causey@fpdmacon.org.