This month, we’re exploring Kindness—the quiet strength of helping others, the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, and the surprising ways even the smallest act can change a heart, or even a whole day.

Today’s story is a classic fable—about a mighty lion, a tiny mouse, and an unexpected act of kindness that weaves them together in the most extraordinary way.It’s a tale that reminds us that no one is too small to make a difference, and kindness is never wasted.

This was one of our first three intro special stories, which served as previews of our first three themed months! If you missed it, here’s a great opportunity to tune into this wonderful story. And we are deep in the full swing of summer over here, which means that this week’s post is a bit behind schedule in arriving to your inbox! Stay tuned for a brand new story this coming Monday, the last story for our Kindness theme, and then we are on to Courage next month with some great stories coming your way!

For our little listeners

Sometimes, kindness is a big thing—like saving someone in trouble

And sometimes, it’s something small—like saying “thank you” or offering a smile.

But all kindness matters.And when we’re kind, we make the world a little softer, a little braver, and a whole lot brighter.

Can you think of a time when someone was kind to you in a small way that felt really big? Or a time when you helped someone who didn’t expect it?

Kindness is like a circle…. it always comes back around.

For our grownups

Kindness grows in children when it’s modeled, noticed, and nurtured.

This week, invite your child to notice and name small acts of kindness—both given and received. These micro-moments shape how they understand empathy, trust, and connection.

You can support this by:

* Pointing out kind actions in real time When your child helps a sibling, shares a toy, or comforts a friend, pause and reflect that back:

* “I saw how you helped your brother when he was sad—that was so kind of you.”

* Modeling empathy out loud (“That person looks sad—I wonder what might help them feel better.”)

* Celebrating effort over outcome (“Even though it didn’t work, I saw how kindly you tried.”)

Remember: kindness is caught more than it’s taught. When we live it, they learn it.

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