Solidarity

A family is a place where everyone should feel safe and secure. The word "solidarity" means unity. Some families are small in number and some are huge. Kids that are respectful and kind to their family members are usually respectful to others. Loyalty, love, and support are a few ways families show solidarity.

What are some other ways we can show solidarity, or strength in a family?

Be polite

Families should support each other and use kind words like "please", "thank you", and "excuse me". Good manners make it easier for people to get along. When people are polite to each other, it shows they respect each other. Share, let others go first, and take turns. Be giving and helpful. Focus on what you have, not on what you do not have. Try to be thankful and think of ways to give to the others in your family. Being polite is an easy way to share kindness with your family members.

Show Respect

Respect your family members by showing consideration. Be helpful, kind, and cooperative. Speak respectfully when you ask a question or answer a question, even when speaking to brothers and sisters. You are helping make someone's life easier when you do your chores happily and without complaining. Take care of your family. Try to do little things to help out when no one asks. Show your family that you appreciate them by giving a gift that will not cost anything. The gift is respect. When we respect each other, everyone benefits and the family is strong.

Say, "I'm Sorry"

One of the most important things you can do in a family is say, "I'm sorry". Sometimes feelings are hurt. Sometimes the most unkind words or actions happen in the family. Unkind words or actions cannot be taken back, but they can be forgiven.

Often, when we think about forgiveness we think about other people forgiving us, but sometimes it is up to us to forgive others, even if they do not ask for it.

When you forgive someone it means you let go of the bad feelings you have about something they have done to you. Heart Is forgiveness difficult? Most of the time it is hard to forgive, but it is one of those things that gets easier the more you do it. When people practice forgiveness, it becomes a habit. When people forgive, they let go of feelings that are keeping them from being a happy person. It means that someone can hurt you and you can get over it. You can let go of bad feelings when you forgive.

Forgiveness helps you feel better, but when you forgive does that mean you forget what happened to you? No, it just means that you forgive the person who hurt you. It does not mean you think what they did to you was okay. Mahatma Gandhi said, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." When you are the one hurt, forgive. When you hurt others, remember to say, "I'm sorry." Forgiveness brings peace.

knowDo you think it takes a strong person to be kind? If you do, then 64% of the kids surveyed agree with you.

 

I won't forgiveForgive

Home Kindness Kids Speak Out Solidarity

TLC for Pets :: Giving

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References

Katsof, E (2002). Words can heal. Words Can Heal Newsletter, 1, Retrieved February 13, 2008, from http://www.wordscanheal.org/newsletter/freenewsletter_volume11.htm

Gandhi, M. Quotations by Author. Retrieved February 13, 2008, from The Quotations Page Web site: http://www. quotationspage.com/quotes/
Mathatma_Gandhi/

How to keep a family strong (T. Bamberg, personal interview, November, 2007).

The importance of forgiveness (B. Praytor, personal interview, March, 2008).

Credits

Writing by Jesslyn and Danielle, 2008.

Drawings by Bekah, 2008.

Content including images, songs, skits, games, poems, and videos are the original work of students and were created for the
2008 International ThinkQuest competition.