KIDS’ PAGE

By Colleen McDonald

The First Principle     October 6, 2004

Do you remember the first UU Principle?  It’s:  We believe that each and every person is important.

This Principle reminds us that we are important.  We are lovable.  What we say and do matters.  And we deserve to be treated kindly and fairly.

Yes, we are important.  But we are not more important than everyone else. 

That was the problem in the story I told on Sunday.  A leopard’s friends helped him build a new house.  When they were done, the leopard had a better house than all the other animals; that made him think he was more important than everyone else.  He stopped sharing food with the other animals.  He went off to live by himself.  And the other animals worried that there would be trouble.

Below you will find some short stories that have to do with Principle 1.  As you read or hear each one, give a thumbs up if the person in the story is a good example of showing others that s/he is important.  Give a thumbs down if the person in the story seems to think s/he is more important than someone else:

Leo is watching TV before dinner.  His mother calls to remind him that it is his turn to set the table. Leo ignores her because he doesn’t want to miss his show.

Kara is waiting in line to check out a library book.  When the clerk calls, “Next,” an adult behind Kara steps in front of her.  Kara says, “Excuse me, but I was in line first.”

Church school class has started.  When the teacher lights the chalice and asks, “Who would like to start check-in?” Shirley raises her hand and talks about her new pet.  When her classmates share their news, she whispers to her neighbor or raises her hand again, because she’s thought of something else to share.

There is trash on the playground.  Even though Ben didn’t put it there, he picks it up, because he wants to play on a clean playground.

Sue doesn’t have any dessert in her lunch.  When her friend leaves the cafeteria to use the bathroom, Sue steals her cupcake.

When his mom comes home from work, Bill tells her, “I missed you.  I need a hug.”

Love, Colleen