Raising a Kind Tribe: How To Be Kind

MY OUTFIT – Graphic Tee: Mama Love Collective c/o | Denim Jacket: Stitch Fix | Pencil Skirt: Agnes & Dora Pencil Skirt c/o | Booties: The Root Collective Espe Booties (Use this link for 10% off) | Bag: Little Adi + Co c/o (on sale!) | Earrings: Nickel and Suede

LILLY’S OUTFIT: Shirt: Sola Five Studio c/o | Leggings: Noni Bee c/o | Shoes: Stride Rite

AMOS’S OUTFIT: Shirt: Tea Collection c/o | Leggings: Moda Baby USA c/o | Shoes: Sweet n Swag c/o

Photography by Em Grey

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, if for ever a second you think that I have it all together, let me assure you that I do not. Being a mom is hard work, no matter what. Stay at home moms, working moms, work from home moms, single moms… this mom thing is hard work.

I’ve had a few conversations recently with people about how we want to raise our kids and people will ask me, “What do you want for your kids?”

For me, the answer is simple. While excelling at athletics or getting good grades is important, ultimately, that’s not what I really want for my kids.

I want to raise my kids to work hard and know the value of a strong work ethic. I want them to be generous with their time, their talents, and their money.

I want them to be good stewards of the things that God has blessed them with – whether that be spiritual gifts, physical or spiritual blessings, money, what have you.

I want them to be respectful – to treat others with dignity and to value others above themselves. I want them to have a servant’s heart and know what it means to be truly humble.

I want them to be strong, to be brave, and unyielding.

I want them to know and love Jesus with their whole hearts. I want them to know what the gift of His Grace really means.

And ultimately I want them to know how to be kind. And I want them to share God’s kindness and mercy and grace with others. To me, that’s most important than an A on a test or a winning game any day.

What about you? If you are a parent, what do you wish for your kids? If you’re not a parent, what do you wish for yourself as you get older?