Latest news with #kindness
Times
a day ago
- Health
- Times
A fall in the street shows me London's really not so mean
T he other day I had a nasty fall, and I'm glad I did, because it has restored my wavering faith in human nature. I had started to think of London as I did of New York, where I lived in the 1980s: a crime-ridden city where passers-by might step over someone who had collapsed in the street, giving them a casual kick en route. Well, my experience has reversed my paranoia by demonstrating the very opposite. Yes, I fell flat on my face at the traffic lights near my Fulham home and, being 86 and none too robust, couldn't get up. So for a few seconds I lay there, looking like a half-squashed beetle and dizzily wondering if I still had a nose. But suddenly I was surrounded by eight, nine people, among them two of my near-neighbours, Krista and Floyd, but the rest complete strangers. And all wanted to help and did. They brought paper towels, wipes, water, offers to drive me to A&E and/or call 999, a mobile connected to paramedics, even a chair on to which I was lifted and on which I perched while they diverted the traffic, and Maury, an orthopaedic nurse from Kingston, dabbed my forehead and soothed what was behind it. Then they insisted on helping me home. I could hardly believe it. Such concern, consideration and kindness! In London! Being as bloody of mind as of face I'd refused to go directly to hospital but my wife dragged me to Charing Cross, where I was inspected, pronounced OK, bandaged, warned I'd have a blemish I secretly plan to pass off as a duelling scar, and left feeling thoroughly grateful. So when I got home I wrote a post on our local social medium, Nextdoor, which is usually full of tales of burglaries, stolen cars, muggings and so on. But I wanted to thank my helpers and share my appreciation of their unsolicited altruism. Well, at last count I'd received 338 'likes'. My story and my conclusions have touched some collective nerve. That got me thinking. Could London be suffering a post-pandemic attack of niceness? As another small indication, I remembered that since I got a walking stick never, ever has someone failed to offer me their seat on the Tube. I may now look like Lazarus as they began to prepare him for burial, or a ghoul who has got the date of Halloween wrong, but that should pass. What won't is my belief that, in dark times, there's goodness around. Benedict Nightingale was the Times chief theatre critic 1990-2010
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: After 40 years, Sri Lankan maid reunites with family she worked for in Ajman
In a touching act of kindness and a reflection of deep-rooted Emirati values, the Ajman Police helped fulfil the lifelong dream of a Sri Lankan woman by reuniting her with the Emirati family she had served over 40 years ago. The emotional reunion, filled with tears of joy and treasured memories, showcased the spirit of gratitude and humanity that embodies the UAE. The initiative, aptly named 'A Touch of Loyalty,' was shared by Colonel Ghaith Khalifa Al Kaabi, Head of the City Police Station. He explained that the story dates back to 1982, when the Sri Lankan woman, identified as Rogina, worked as a domestic helper for Ali Abdullah Sinan Al Shehhi's family in Ajman until 1987. After returning to her home country, the kindness and respect she received from the family remained etched in her heart. In 2025, while visiting the UAE for her daughter's wedding, Rogina felt a strong desire to reconnect with the family that once treated her with warmth and dignity. Even after 40 years, her determination remained unwavering. She reached out to Ajman Police through their official Instagram account, sharing her story and asking for help in locating the family. Captain Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Investigation and Criminal Research Branch, said the police responded immediately. A dedicated team launched a thorough search with professionalism and empathy, ultimately identifying and contacting the family. The reunion took place in a touching gathering hosted by the Emirati family, who welcomed Rogina with open arms and heartfelt joy. The emotional encounter, filled with tears, smiles, and long-lost memories, reflected the noble character of the Emirati people. All present expressed deep gratitude to Ajman Police for making the moment possible and rekindling the bond between Rojina and the family she once called her own.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This mom's ruler trick at a party just taught a social lesson everyone needs
What do you get when you mix a birthday party, a toy setup, and a ruler? For one mom, it became the perfect chance to teach her daughter a skill many adults still struggle with: how to navigate social situations with confidence and kindness. In a now-viral Instagram video posted by parenting advocate and author Alyson Kenny (@chasingcivility), she gently walks her daughter through how to welcome guests, introduce friends, and respect personal space. The clip is captioned: 'Introductions and personal space can be tricky even for adults. It's never too early to introduce these social skills. I recommend starting to introduce these skills around age 3.' #manners #etiquette #socialskills #parenting The response from parents has been overwhelmingly positive. With With 593,000 views, the video is clearly striking a chord—especially for caregivers trying to raise kind, emotionally aware kids. Related: 7 activities that teach preschoolers + toddlers social skills In the clip, Kenny coaches her daughter through a pretend play scenario: how to introduce friends who don't know each other yet. Her daughter practices saying their names and even shares something fun about each—'Emma likes Disney World,' she says proudly. Then Kenny pulls out a ruler and asks, 'When you're meeting new people, do we stand six inches apart or 18 inches apart?' Her daughter replies, 'Eighteen inches—because they'll pop their bubble.' It's a brilliant visual. In just a few calm minutes, Kenny models how parents can teach social scripts and respectful boundaries in a way that feels safe and engaging—not forced. This kind of modeling is especially helpful for kids who learn best through visuals or routines. The comments on Kenny's post show just how needed this kind of intentional parenting content is: @crissygirl500: 'Omg the ruler!! I've been trying to teach my toddlers about space but I never thought to get out an ACTUAL RULER! That's genius! Thank you.' @katieewillems: 'I love seeing this! If there's one thing my mom definitely got right, it was teaching me social etiquette, manners, hospitality, and gratitude. These skills will last forever! Way to go '@pippagrintlewis: 'The ruler! My 5-year-old son is so sweet and social but I am constantly reminding him to back up a little and give our friends space. I love this approach! Immediate follow ' Rather than just praising the moment, these parents are reflecting on their own childhoods—and how much they want to pass these lessons down. Experts agree that social skills can be taught just like any other skill—especially when broken down into small, manageable parts. According to the National Association of School Psychologists' 2020 Practice Model, effective social development in children includes fostering social communication and interactions, problem-solving, and anger and conflict management Rather than expecting children to 'just pick it up,' NASP recommends using modeling, role-playing, and real-world practice to help kids internalize these behaviors. That's exactly what Alyson Kenny's video models—using a quick, low-pressure play scenario to teach introductions, conversation cues, and personal space. By practicing a script like 'Emma, this is Blakely,' and using a ruler to measure respectful distance, kids gain a visual and verbal framework they can draw on in real social situations. It's a calm, consistent approach—and one that supports both confidence and connection. Related: Your child's social skills in kindergarten are more important than their academics If you'd like to borrow from Kenny's approach, here are a few simple ways to make it your own: 1. Practice in calm moments. Before a party or playdate, use dolls or toys to role-play introductions and small talk. 2. Use props. Grab a ruler or even stretch your arms out to help kids visualize appropriate personal space. 3. Narrate the why. Instead of saying 'don't get too close,' try: 'Giving people space helps them feel more comfortable.' 4. Repeat often. Kids learn best with practice. Revisit the same ideas weekly, not just once. 5. Keep it playful. No shaming, just gentle guidance. A little fun makes learning stick. Kenny's video shows how powerful small, intentional moments can be. With a simple setup and calm guidance, she turns playtime into a meaningful lesson in connection and respect. Teaching emotional intelligence doesn't require perfection—just presence, practice, and a little creativity. Because whether your child is three or thirteen, there's always room to grow the social skills that help them thrive.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Kim Woodburn dead aged 83: How Clean Is Your Home and Celebrity Big Brother star passes away after a short illness
Kim Woodburn has died at the age of 83 following a short illness. Her representative confirmed in a statement given to The Sun: 'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness. 'Kim was an incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person. Her husband Peter is heartbroken at the loss of his soulmate. 'We are so proud of the amazing things Kim achieved in her life and career.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emotional Charlotte Dawson reveals she's ‘been crying constantly' after being cruelly mum shamed by vile trolls
CHARLOTTE Dawson has admitted she's been left in tears after strings of cruel comments on Instagram. The mum-of-three, who gave birth to her baby girl Gigi in March, spoke with pal Janine Marsh on her Naughty Corner podcast about the toll cruel trolls are taking on her. 6 6 Getting emotional as she spoke, Charlotte said: "I'm really low at the moment. I'm really up and down. I've been crying, I'm constantly upset and feeling like… thinking about things, worrying. "I'm trying to be positive, but... I've really been struggling, the last few weeks and days and stuff. "Like, the things that they're saying to me, Janine, it's just awful, and I don't want to give them what they want. "I'm trying to make a difference. I need to try and get hold of someone on Instagram, but they're not... I mean, they're not going to listen to me." "Be kind. How is it so hard to be kind?" she pleaded. "I don't understand." Janine said that she was dying to give her friend "a big cuddle" and told her: "I'm telling you as a friend that you are funny, you're fantastic, you're a great mum, you're also a really good representational person for all those women who've had kids. "So don't let them because get you down. When you're having that just remember, there's a lot of people that love you, and I'm one of them." Charlotte, the daughter of legendary stand-up comedian Les Dawson, has tracked the ups and downs of her pregnancy and birth. She posted a video of the moment on Instagram across the weekend, and added in the caption: "This post partum life is so hard so tough.. and should be spoke about enough. And especially the trolls mum police who try & wear you down. "It doesn't harm you to be kind, even if you don't want to be nice just keep it to yourself because you don't know that person is actually feeling…" Charlotte Dawson gives birth to baby girl as she welcomes third child with Matthew Sarsfield Supporters were quick to flood her comments with support, with one telling her: "You are beautiful inside and out and a fantastic mum never forget that you have always been true with yourself and what you post keep being you " Another praised her openly honest posts and added: "you make so many of us SMILE. Such a beautiful soul within in an era of picture perfect grams, you bring the reality" While a third wrote: "Your post and videos are so relatable, your showing 'real life' things. Body image, family issues, things that we all go through and it can feel so lonely sometimes. "You make us laugh, make us cry with you but you make this beautiful connection with your audience just by being yourself that's what makes you so authentic!" 6 6
