Cool2Bkind – Be Part the Movement!

You may have read a recent post about bullying my daughter experienced at school.  The school responded and a plan was put in place.  Change of this nature does not happen quickly or vigorously, but since we believe in ‘letting the machine work’ – we left it in their hands, with a watchful eye.

My husband and I are action driven.  We could not entirely wait for the machine to work.  My husband suggested a party for kids who have been hurt- had the courage to tell and the brave kids who supported others who were hurt.  We felt that even when punished, the child who bullied another got attention for it.  Even after the punishment, many kids still thought the girl who hurt my daughter was strong and cool – resulting in more kids exhibiting negative behaviors toward my daughter for telling and causing the punishment.  My daughter didn’t cause the punishment, the child who hurt her did.

We wanted to push positive focus to the truly strong and brave kids. 

 It takes a huge amount of courage to step up against someone being mean. 

The party idea blossomed into a Rock Climbing Event – “Courage to Climb 2014”, with a motto of Cool2Bkind.  We researched venues and found the ideal location.  We were prepared to pay for a party for 12 at a cost we could afford, if we diverted our 10^th wedding anniversary budget – a very worthwhile sacrifice.  We called to book, told our story and the owner said “it is free for up to 30 kids”.  I cried.  The owner was touched by our story and her staff all donated their time.  On event day – there were hugs and tears.   Their sacrifice renewed my belief in the kindness and goodness of complete strangers.

May 31^st, event day, was one of the most moving days of my life … right up there with giving birth to the miracles of my life.  We hosted 22 kids who had various reactions to the challenge of climbing a rock wall.  Some made it to the top right away.  Many tried and tried until they victoriously reached the top to ring the bell.  Others did not climb at all; they knew themselves and decided it was not for them and that was ok too. 

I watched as a grade two girl began her climb.  She was afraid.  Her Mom helped her see the connection between the violence directed toward her at school and the resulting need for her to tell and stand up for herself,  with the challenge of climbing the wall.  I watched her try several times.  Then I watched her reach the top, ring the bell and saw tears fill her eyes as her self-confidence buoyed.  When she returned to the ground, the shy girl bravely walked over to me, a stranger, and said, “Thank you for doing this – it is wonderful”.  I followed with, “do you feel good about yourself for trying until you made it?”  She said, “I feel awesome”.

The inspiration in the room that day was an overwhelming, positive energy.   Each direction I turned I saw bravery, kindness, support, ear-to-ear smiles and yes, even some misty eyes.   All-n-all, I have never experienced a large kid’s party where there was NOT one conflict or issue between participants. They were all exceptionally kind and supportive of one another.  My greatest hope was that the kids would see another face at school after the event – a child they could trust to support them.  What actually happened was so much more.

Kids reached levels they did not think they could. 

Kids cheered on others who were afraid, without one criticism uttered. 

Kids chose not to participate and not one child mocked their choice.

 I was near tears for the entire event – because I realized we had hit on something huge.  When we put kids together who are kind, we do have a chance to create a movement that it is “Cool2Bkind”.  It is NOT cool to hurt a child physically or emotionally. 

When we take the power away from those who hurt others and give it to those who are kind we light up the world.

Our event generated one drop of water but even one drop can move an ocean.  When I am retired to my rocking chair watching the world shift and change at the hands of the new generation, I want to rest knowing the vast majority of leaders are kind people making positive choices to benefit the humans, creatures and environment around us.   Until then, I plan to do all I can to promote the kindness movement.

Please spread the word that it is Cool2Bkind …. The wellbeing of a generation of wonderful kids could depend on it!!!

Special thanks to:

Kidzrock

JMSConsulting

Creativity by Rowena