“It takes a village to raise a child” is a commonly quoted African proverb perpetuating the idea that it takes an entire community to create a safe environment. People quote it often as a call to action to be more involved with family, friends, and neighbors. Others lament their lack of village, feeling alone in the day-to-day struggles of raising a family. What if it is not a grand unattainable goal, but instead a call to action? We can spread kindness and be the village many desperately need in a million small ways.

Keep Your Eyes Open

Walking down the aisles of my local supermarket, I saw two adorable little boys shopping with their dad. They had one of the store’s child-size shopping carts and were helping to pick out the groceries. I had to smile when one boys screamed excitedly at seeing orange juice as he walked down the aisle. As I finished shopping, we all walked into the checkout area simultaneously.

At our corner store, there are only self-checkout stations. I was close to the exit and saw one boy running towards the door with ice cream. I walked away from my things and asked him where he was going with a smile. His dad frantically came up behind him and thanked me for my help. A determined little guy, he slipped away once more. I watched the door and, upon seeing him again, blocked his path. His dad, visually flustered, thanked me again and scooped the little guy into one arm, groceries in the other, and big brother walking behind.

It Only Took a Moment

Take a minute to think of the hundreds of terrible things that could have happened if this sweet little boy walked out of the store alone. The store is in a busy outdoor mall, and traffic is constant. It is safe to say people are not looking for small children in the parking lot like they might on a neighborhood street. A car could have hit him. It is a busy corner with multiple buildings and sidewalks leading in all directions. A few seconds alone and it would be anyone’s guess which way he went. Lost, with no idea where to look. The list goes on and on.

It took only five minutes of my time to lend a hand and keep him safe. I lost nothing. My groceries safely stayed right where I had left them. I walked a few steps, gave the little guy a welcoming smile, and asked him where he was going. This stopped him because he knew he shouldn’t be off alone. I didn’t pick him up or do anything invasive. I slowed him down so his dad could catch up. A simple assist to prevent a crisis.

Lead with Kindness, Not Judgment

It would be easy to sit on the throne of judgment and call the dad out for negligence. He should pay closer attention. How could he let the boy walk off alone and not notice? My children are never out of my sight or more than an inch from my side. The judgmental phrases can fly off the tongue. I learned not to assume it would never happen to me long ago. The minute you walk down that path, you discover how easily it can and will occur.

Instead of spitting out judgment or declaring it, not my problem, I lead with kindness, making decisions based on how I would want help in the same situation. My children are 16, 11, and 8 now, but they were once speedy toddlers afraid of nothing and no one. Three of them, one of me. The odds were not always in my favor. They were never in my favor, but we still ventured out of the house and into the world. Some trips were smooth sailing, others more like paddling a kayak through a monsoon. The simple act of holding a door could make my day as I wrangled my beloveds through parking lots and into buildings. Now I will gladly hold the door, stop your cart from rolling away, or be a human blockade for a toddler making a break for it. It’s a slight gesture that can make an enormous difference.

We All Need a Village

Parents of small children are not the only ones who need a village. We all require help from time to time. Small actions such as holding a door open, reaching for something on a top shelf, or offering change for the parking meter can positively affect your neighbor’s life. These small, effortless tasks add to a monumental shift in community well-being. Survey your surroundings with fresh eyes. Lend a hand when you are able. Be the village we all need and make a difference, one minor act of kindness at a time.