I was nervous a few weeks ago. I was coming to school on a Monday with a new very short hairdo. I prepared myself for the onslaught of comments from the children. Your hair looks weird. You look like a boy. All developmentally appropriate comments from young children. I was ready for many teachable moments.

The biggest surprise, however, was to be mine. There were many questions and comments, lots of double takes, but not the types of interactions I was expecting. I was greeted with “Did you get a haircut? It looks so good!” and “I like your short haircut!” Rather than teaching them anything, they taught me something. Our children are kind, open-minded, and respectful. Their reactions also taught me about the culture in which we are raising them. Our community is raising children to accept and respect differences, to support their friends, and most importantly, to be kind.

During our weekly all-school morning meetings, we always end with our school pledge, “I will work hard. I will be kind. I will be mindful.” It is a nice reminder to treat our classmates, teachers, and families with kindness. To me, our children are already working hard, being kind, and being mindful.

This lesson was a wonderful gift – one that hopefully helps start our winter break off in style! Happy Holidays to each of you. Please make the most of spending the next two weeks with your loved ones. We will see you in the new year!