Be kind to one another

In Miss Fien’s classroom, most children were happy except for Ethan and Liam, who often argued. Just thinking about each other made them upset. One day, Liam brought Miss Fien a big bouquet of flowers. “These are for you,” he said.
Miss Fien smiled warmly. “How kind of you, Liam! Is there anything I can do for you?”
Liam hesitated. “I always fight with Ethan. He says mean things to me. Can’t you send him to another school?” Miss Fien thought for a moment. “I could do that,” she said, “but not yet. Everyone knows you and Ethan always argue. If I send him away right after you give me flowers, the other kids might think I did it because of that. Instead, give Ethan an apple every day. He loves apples. Be kind to him. Come back in seven days and tell me how it went.” “That’s a good plan,” Liam thought.
He brought Ethan an apple and said, “If you want another one, just ask. Enjoy.” Ethan was confused, but each day he received another apple. Liam also made an effort to be friendly. At first, he only thought about getting Ethan removed but something began to change. Ethan started to be kind in return. They talked, played, and laughed together. One day, Ethan said, “Liam, I think you’re my best friend!” Liam felt a sharp pang in his heart. “Only one more day,” he thought. “Then Miss Fien will send him away. But… I don’t want that anymore. What have I done?” He picked another bouquet and brought it to Miss Fien.“ 

Thank you for the flowers,” she said. “I’ve heard you’re no longer fighting. So no one will suspect it was your idea to send Ethan away.”
Liam began to cry. “Dear Miss Fien, because I was kind to Ethan, he became kind too. Now he’s my best friend. Please don’t send him away.”
Miss Fien smiled. “Exactly what I hoped. I knew Ethan would respond with kindness if you showed him some. I’m so glad you’ve learned this. Being kind is the best way to build a friendship.”
Liam nodded and smiled. From that day forward, Ethan and Liam were the best of friends.

Food for thought

Kindness is contagious. What you give to others often comes back to you sometimes in ways you don’t expect. If you want to change how someone treats you, try changing how you treat them first.