I bought my son Adam a brand new coat yesterday. With snow in the forecast and his old one barely reaching his wrists (thank you, growth spurt), he definitely needed it. He wore it to school for the first time today, all excited and proud.
When I picked him up, his sister Jozlynn pointed out, “That kid is wearing Adam’s coat.” I figured she meant another boy had the same one, so I didn’t think much of it. Later that evening, while I was giving my youngest a bath, Jozlynn mentioned it again. This time she said that Adam had actually given his coat away.
I called him over and asked what happened. His answer stopped me in my tracks. “My friend didn’t have a warm coat to go outside today,” he said. “I had my old coat in my locker that doesn’t fit me anymore, and it fit him. So I gave it to him so he could play outside. I told him to keep it because he needed it for the bus ride home too. I didn’t want him to be cold.”
My heart just melted. In moments when I question if we’re doing this parenting thing right, I’ll remember today. Adam had just gotten his new coat the night before, and still, his first instinct was to help someone else.
This isn’t about shaming anyone. It’s about celebrating kindness, compassion, and the little hearts that already understand what it means to care for others. So proud of my sweet boy for making sure his friend stayed warm. 💙💚💜💛
Credit: Amanda B.