The power of kindness is gaining momentum with some small yet mighty advocates.
The Knowledge Network recently launched The Super Mighty Makers – a team of kids with special powers aimed at spreading kindness.
Perfectly targeting kids, the show airs during Saturday morning cartoon time. Using a colourful team of super-powered kids, the show is looking to teach young people how to spread kindness through crafting.
As a parent concerned about the cruel powers of bullying, I can’t think of a better way to teach such a valuable lesson while getting back to the basics.
See also: Random acts of kindness plentiful
Kids in today’s age are facing even greater challenges than those we grew up with. Not only is there the usual school yard ‘mean girls’ and ‘bad boys’ taunting and snickering behind backs, but of course there is the growing world of social media.
To top it off, kids come home to parents who are immersed in their own digital world – often barely looking up from their own phones to respond. Tablets and such devices are increasingly being used to soothe and placate kids as busy working parents try to get it all done.
Therefore, children are learning to find comfort and validation of their feelings in social media. I fear the days where kids come home upset about their day at school and cry in their parents’ arms – or slam the door in their face, depending on their age – are on the verge of extinction. Instead of a discussion of feelings and the daily grind, kids are instinctively turning to other devices.
In a world so digitally-focused, the Super Mighty Makers use a simple strategy to help others – crafts. It’s perfect as so many kids love crafts – an activity that promotes creativity and imagination. Spreading and encouraging kindness through crafting gets kids thinking creatively with a a good cause.
Check it out:
In each episode, one of the four SMMs gets an alert that someone needs their help. That sets the Maker Mission alarm, which draws the super group together to learn about the craft kid who they want to help, what that person needs help with and figure out the perfect craft to make for the situation.
They then deliver the craft to the special recipient and in turn deliver kindness.
That one act of kindness can spark a movement, as that child’s upside down world is turned right and they then are inspired to share some kindness of their own. And these stories are all ones kids can relate to and learn from.
See also: A drive-by act of kindness changes a life
To top it off, the Super Mighty Makers are challenging kids everywhere to craft for kindness.
Make someone in your life (a friend, family member, teacher) a craft that you think will help them through a problem, or simply make them feel good. Once finished crafting and creating, snap a photo and post it online using the tag #SuperMightyMovement and then go make someone’s day with kindness. Challenge a friend or loved one to pay it forward and do the same, spreading kindness even further.
Super Mighty Makers isn’t just a show, it’s a movement.
@VernonNewsjennifer@vernonmorningstar.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
