Latest news with #kindness
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Parent discovers teen's hidden box of notes—here's what it revealed
In a comment shared by Reddit user u/Afraid-Objective3049, a parent described helping their teenage son clean his room when they stumbled upon a metal tin tucked beneath some old hoodies. Inside were dozens of paper scraps—cut from birthday cards, school assignments, and sticky notes. Each one held a kind word: 'love you,' 'happy birthday,' 'great job.' The post struck a chord with hundreds of readers—and for good reason. It wasn't just about what was inside the box. It was about what those saved words meant. Quietly, and without ever bringing it up, this teen had been collecting proof of love. He kept every note because they meant everything byu/Afraid-Objective3049 inMadeMeSmile The parent didn't bring up the tin with their son. But the discovery quietly changed something. They realized how much those small affirmations—birthday messages, sticky notes, and school praise—meant to him. It wasn't just nostalgia. It was a coping strategy. Their son lives with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. And in that context, even a single kind word becomes something worth holding onto. 'I'd like to think that if I'm not with him, one of those little pieces of paper might help him get through whatever he's dealing with,' the parent shared. It was a moment of clarity: what may feel small in the moment—writing 'love you' on a card or leaving a note by the door—can become something kids reach for when they're struggling silently. Sometimes, those words stay with them longer than we realize. For the teen, those notes weren't just sweet gestures. They were reminders of being seen and understood—something sometimes lost in the rush of daily life. The box became a coping tool, a private vault of validation on tough days. Many other reddit users chimed in, relating similar stories of their own saved mementos and how they carried them through hard times. Related: 'The world will never be the same': Doctor delivers powerful affirmations to newborn This kind of emotional anchoring isn't unusual. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that consistent parental warmth and encouragement are linked to greater self-esteem and emotional resilience in adolescents. Written affirmations can be especially impactful, as they provide something kids can return to—physical proof of love and belief in them, even on days they're struggling to believe in themselves. In the end, small, intentional gestures—like leaving notes or affirmations—can build bridges of trust and openness between parents and teens. The parent shared, 'I realized how important those tangible affirmations are to him. So I've made it a point over the last 15+ years to write things down in addition to telling him.' These written reminders become lasting symbols of care that speak louder than words alone, helping create a shared language of support that can carry families through the ups and downs of adolescence. The story also resonated deeply with many readers on Reddit. u/Environmental_Art591 appreciated the respect behind the gesture, noting, 'Even better because they weren't snooping, they were helping organise with permission.' Meanwhile, u/Wadarkhu found the idea heartwarming and nostalgic: 'It is so sweet, sobbing tbh, also stealing his idea. I wonder if it's weird to raid your attic for 20+ yr old school work? Lol.' Another user, u/rockytopbilly, reflected on the power of such connections, writing, 'That guy and my father would've been able to fix the whole world, I'm sure of it.' And u/Unusual-Ad4890 admired the boy's insight: 'He realized early that he wasn't going to go through life being showered with compliments and praise, so he started collecting them as mementos. Smart kid. Wish I did that.' Together, these voices show how small acts of care can leave lasting impressions—and how affirmations, both spoken and written, become treasured pieces of a family's story. Related: 18 positive affirmations for tweens—because middle school is hard
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The gentle parenting trick one mom used to teach self love
What if building your child's self-esteem wasn't about praise, but presence? That's the quiet lesson behind a viral TikTok by creator Noor (@ who recently reflected on the subtle ways her parents helped her grow up with a strong sense of self love. Her story isn't a 'just tell them they're amazing' kind of post. It's a parenting blueprint rooted in consistency, quiet reframes, and knowing when not to jump in with compliments. In her video, Noor recalls how her mom helped her develop a kind internal voice—not by overcorrecting or overpraising, but by gently modeling what self-respect looks like in everyday parenting moments. 'Whenever me or my siblings would ever say anything negative about ourselves, or speak badly about ourselves, my mom would look at us and be like, 'Don't speak about my daughter like that,'' Noor shared. It may seem small, but that one sentence sends a message: you deserve kindness, even from yourself. And it reminds kids that the people who love them won't sit by when they speak cruelly to themselves. Related: 3 essential parenting habits to build confidence + self-love in your child Like many girls, Noor had moments when she didn't feel pretty or didn't want to go out. But instead of rushing to reassure her with, 'You're so beautiful,' her mom took a different approach. 'She'd say, 'We're not getting married today. I'm not going to marry you off today. Get out the door: we're going.'' It worked. It helped Noor get out the door, but more importantly, it helped her understand she didn't need to feel beautiful to belong in the world. She didn't need to perform confidence to be worthy of showing up. One of the quietest but most powerful things Noor's mom did? Speak proudly about her to other people—while Noor was in earshot. '[My mom] would always say super nice things about me in front of our friends and our family,' she said. 'She would never complain about me … in front of other people. And whenever she talks about me to other people … it feels like she's proud of me.' This kind of indirect praise feels more genuine to many kids. It doesn't put them on the spot, but it still lands deeply. Noor explains that while she was a gifted student, her mom didn't center her identity around that success. 'I never felt like my self-worth was tied to me being smart or me excelling,' she said. 'My worth is just tied to me as her daughter and as a human being.' By not turning intelligence into a defining trait, her mom helped Noor stay connected to her value—whether she was performing or not. Related: Child therapist shares easy way to ensure your child's inner voice is full of confidence Inspired by Noor's story, here are a few parenting lines that focus on grounding, not grading: Instead of: 'You're so smart!'Try: 'I really admire how curious you are.' Instead of: 'You're beautiful just the way you are.'Try: 'You don't have to feel beautiful to be important.' Instead of: 'Good job, you're the best at this.'Try: 'You stuck with that even when it was hard. I noticed that.' Instead of: Silence when they self-criticizeTry: 'Hey. Don't talk about my child like that.' These quiet phrases don't just build confidence—they model what it means to speak to yourself with care. Noor's story reminds us that self love doesn't come from perfect words or scripted praise. It grows from feeling seen, safe, and accepted in small, consistent ways. The way we respond to our kids' self-doubt, the moments we choose to stay quiet—or speak up—can shape the way they talk to themselves for sometimes, the most powerful parenting moments aren't loud or labeled. They're just loving.
Khaleej Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'Sheikh Hamdan paid everyone's bill': UAE royals surprise Dubai Mall diners
When Emirati Noura Mohammed AlMarzooqi sat down to lunch at La Maison Ani on Wednesday, she had no idea that her bill would be paid by none other than the Crown Prince himself! Noura was one of the several diners at the restaurant who caught a glimpse of two UAE leaders casually strolling in for lunch and then were surprised by having their meals fully paid for. On Wednesday, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as well as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had lunch at the restaurant, accompanied by a group of aides and friends. 'They were super friendly and said hello to everyone and made the experience really great for us,' said Noura. 'When I asked for the cheque after my meal, the restaurant informed me that Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed had paid everyone's bill. Only in UAE will you see the royal families spending lovely time with their people and spreading kindness and making the experience priceless.' Videos shared on social media show the leaders walking into the restaurant and greeting other diners with an Islamic salutation wishing them peace. The group had lunch at the eatery, run by Chef Izu Ani, one of the most influential chefs in the region. He is also behind concepts such as Alaya, Gaia, and Kai Enzo. Here's a video of their visit: 'Honour and privilege' The restaurant has called it an "honour and privilege" to have the Sheikhs visit them. In a statement shared with Khaleej Times, the restaurant said they were 'grateful' for the opportunity. 'It was an absolute honor and privilege for our team to welcome Their Highnesses to La Maison Ani,' it read. 'The experience was seamless, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve them. Moments like these are a proud reminder of the trust placed in us to deliver excellence at every level.' They also explained how the visit was. 'The Crown Princes maintained a warm and respectful presence throughout their visit,' it continued. 'While the occasion was private, their gracious demeanour and generosity left a lasting impression. Both our team and surrounding guests deeply appreciated the atmosphere their presence brought. The visit took place during lunch in a calm and elegant setting. Out of respect for Their Highnesses' privacy, we will not be disclosing further details.'
UAE Moments
21 hours ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
♏ Scorpio Daily Horoscope for June 27, 2025
June 27, 2025, invites Scorpio to harness emotional softness and charisma. A power day for relationships and career—surpass expectations through genuine connection. ❤️ Love & Relationships Today, gentleness becomes your greatest strength. Fostering emotional openness creates deeper trust and intimacy. Authentic kindness draws loved ones close, letting affection flow organically. 💰 Finance Expect favorable professional interactions—your voice holds weight. Be prepared for financial dialogue or negotiations; use your intuitive awareness to speak clearly yet compassionately. 💼 Career & Ambitions Scorpio energy shines at work today. Whether you're presenting ideas or stepping into larger roles, your magnetic authenticity brings recognition. People in authority are listening—speak from the heart and let your ideas land. 🩺 Health & Well‑Being Calm your inner intensity with moments of stillness. Meditation or a quiet pause throughout the day helps you harness emotional energy productively, preventing overload. 🔮 Other Insights This is a day of transformation through simplicity. Let go of vanity—focus instead on meaningful connections and purpose. Small, mindful adjustments unlock significant growth.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kind Man's Persistent Attempt to Help Ducklings Escape From Pool Is Everything
Kind Man's Persistent Attempt to Help Ducklings Escape From Pool Is Everything originally appeared on PetHelpful. No matter whether kids walk on two legs or are furry or feathered, they have a knack for finding new adventures. Sometimes that curious nature can get them into hot water, much like a flock of ducklings who decided to take a dip in a swimming pool. Recently, @lindseykathleen1 shared a TikTok video featuring a few spirited ducklings who wanted to have a pool day. When mama dove in to collect them, she eventually realized she needed some help to get her family back on dry land. Luckily, a kind man stopped to offer an assist. Though, this wasn't a simple rescue. You'll say, 'Aw,' and laugh out loud as you watch his multiple attempts to help these ducklings escape the pool. I guess it's true: You can depend on the kindness of strangers! 'My sweet husband saved the day. I just love watching mommas do their thing. She was never giving up and knew when to let us help,' @lindseykathleen1 wrote in the TikTok post. As shown in the video, these duckling jumped into the pool, probably to cool off. Mama saw them and went after her flock, gathering them together so she could protect them. After all, who wouldn't want to keep an eye on their babies with strangers nearby? It seems like she was swimming around looking for ways to get them out of the pool. Thankfully, a man would find a way to help her family, but it would take a few tries to get them out first idea was to just pick up the ducklings one at a time and place them on the ground. Unfortunately, '[h]e would get one out and [they] would jump right back in,' explained the video captions. At one point, mama was pretty stressed. 'She was so tired and really started to panic,' mentions the video. That was until this man and his family came up with a plan B. They scooped up the ducklings individually and gathered them into an open tote bag. Then they grabbed mom and released this family back on land. Phew! Ducklings cannot get out of a pool easily, so them being in one can be dangerous or even deadly for them. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, ducks may not be able to fly out of a pool or make it over the ledge of a pool. They could even drown if they get tired or exhausted before finding their way out of the pool. That's why it's so heartwarming that this man and his family made sure to aid this family — no matter how many tries it took. I'm so glad these ducklings and their mom are safe! Kind Man's Persistent Attempt to Help Ducklings Escape From Pool Is Everything first appeared on PetHelpful on Jun 25, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
