Unfortunately, sometimes people hurt each other. Sometimes they don’t mean to, but sometimes they do. Maybe you’ve seen a bully being mean to someone else and hurting their feelings, or maybe someone has hurt you. It could have even been someone you care about. You may sometimes feel like Herby, who is being attacked by a neighborhood cat that is not interested in leaving him alone and letting him have his space!
When people are mean and hurt you, how do you feel? What should you do when they hurt you? Have you ever hurt others yourself?
When someone does something to hurt someone else or their feelings, that is wrong. Everybody needs space to be safe, respected and loved. If someone wants to hurt you, remember that they need to be loved too, but they should not hurt you. If you aren’t able to stand up to them yourself, get some help from friends and people you trust. Never be a bully yourself. With help you can protect yourself and stop hurtful people from invading your “personal space.”
On July 4th, 1776, the British colonies in America declared their independence from Great Britain and formed a brand new nation called the United States of America. They fought a long war and many died because they wanted to be free from the oppressive laws and taxes forced on them by their king. They believed that people should be free to make their own decisions about how they live as long as they don’t harm each other, and that it was wrong to be forced to do what other people and the government wanted them to. Since then many people have enjoyed the ability to live free lives, and Herby is celebrating that freedom.
Why is it good for people to be free to live how they want to instead of being forced to do what someone else wants? Are you glad you are free? Why might other people want to control what people do?
Because of freedom, we have the ability to make choices about how we live our lives. Freedom allows you to choose what to do as you grow up, to follow your convictions and dreams, and to do and stand up for what you believe is right. Other people like your parents, teachers, and friends can help you make those choices, but the government and other people should not control, harm or rob you, just as you shouldn’t do these things to other people. Many people fought and even died so you could enjoy freedom, because people and governments often try to take it away. Appreciate the freedom you, your family, and your neighbors have, and “long live freedom!”
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