We often talk about children as “the leaders of tomorrow.” But what if they’re already teaching us something today? Children see our world through a lens of curiosity rather than limitations.
It’s not that they have all the answers but that they don’t underestimate the power of a small gesture. In situations where adults might hesitate, children step forward with empathy, creativity and a quiet courage that inspires.
Whether it’s a simple act of inclusion or leading a community initiative, kids remind us of the values we overlook and the importance of simply noticing when someone needs help.
The December school holidays give us something rare: time. Time to actually watch how our kids see the world, and time to help them act on that kindness that comes so naturally to them.
The power of small simple actions
Peter, a project manager and the father of six-year-old Josh, shared a story from a typical weekend at their neighbourhood playground. Children were running around the playground, playing catch just as they always did.
But this time, there was someone new – a boy who sat quietly off to the side, sometimes standing, sometimes watching. Every now and then, he would glance over with hopeful eyes that someone might invite him to join.
That was when Josh noticed him. Instead of ignoring the boy or making things awkward by calling him out, he offered a warm smile and gestured for him to climb up and join in their game.
The boy hesitated for a moment, but encouraged by Josh’s kindness, he finally climbed up. Before long, laughter replaced his shyness, and he was running and playing with the others as if he’d always belonged there.
Peter felt a deep sense of pride – not just in his son’s actions, but in the empathy he showed by noticing someone being left out and the quiet courage of reaching out to a stranger.
Moments like Josh’s simple act of kindness may seem small, yet it’s these everyday gestures that reveal the purest form of empathy and inspire even bigger acts of compassion.
Turning compassion into action
Anupriya, founder of kindheroes.club, saw this firsthand when the Australia bushfires dominated the news. She shared on Bagus Together, how her daughter came home upset about the animals that had died.
“Why don’t you do something about it?” Anupriya asked.
“But I’m just a small kid. What can I do?”
That simple question sparked a powerful realisation that children are naturally empathetic and socially aware; they just need the right support to turn that compassion into action.
This became the inspiration behind kindheroes.club, a ground up movement that empowers kids to become changemakers in their own communities.
One memorable project involved a group of children who distributed cold drinks and towels to more than 100 people in their community. From security guards and bus drivers to cleaners, each gift was accompanied by a handmade card filled with heartfelt appreciation.
What made the moment truly powerful wasn’t the size of the gesture, but the thoughtfulness and heart behind it. Sometimes the best solutions don’t need big committees or formal plans. All they need is someone willing to start.
For 12-year-old Chng Rui Jie, a finalist of Singaporean of the Year 2023, age was never a barrier to making a difference.
She has raised over $1.2 million through 60 online fundraising campaigns on Giving.sg supporting a wide range of causes – from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to Singapore Cancer Society. Rui Jie has transformed compassion into meaningful action for the causes she supports.
What they teach us
From Josh’s quiet invitation to a shy boy, to Anupriya’s daughter asking how she could help, to Rui Jie’s inspiring fundraising efforts, these stories share a common thread: leading with empathy and simply taking action.
As adults, we often get caught up in productivity, perfection and planning. But children remind us to be present, to notice and respond without overthinking.
They don’t wait for the “right time” to make a difference. They show us that change can start right where we are, with what we have.
How to Nurture Kindness This Holiday
This school holiday let’s create space for children to act on their natural kindness. Here’s how
- Visit and appreciate community helpers – Bring cold drinks or thank-you cards to neighbourhood security guards, cleaners, or postal workers
- Organize a toy or book exchange – Host a swap with neighbors to give preloved items new life
- Create kindness cards – Make cards together and distribute them to your service and transport workers
- Random acts of kindness challenge – Set a family goal to complete one kind act each day of the holidays
For more resources on youth-led kindness initiatives, visit kindheroes.club or get inspired with our GUMs!
What is one lesson you learnt from a child?
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