When a workman fell off his ladder, a little girl rushed over with $3 — his reply left her speechless

According to a study by Dr Richard Woolfson, commissioned by Bassetts Vitamins, children believe in sharing more than adults. While about 67 percent of adults would rather not share their food with others, about 43 percent of children would happily do so. This suggests that kindness in children prevails in large numbers, as they remain unscathed by the cruelties of the world and are less self-centered due to a lack of responsibilities and socially isolating activities. Amber Denae, a mom and photographer — who goes by the username @amberdenae on Instagram — shared a video of her daughter reminding adults what kindness means.

One fine spring day, Amber was sitting on the porch with her children, enjoying the weather, when they were struck with fear and empathy as they saw a “workman” fall off the second story of a ladder. The startled woman ran off to him to ask about his well-being, “ready to dial 911,” but he got up and brushed off his clothes — indicating he was alright. While Amber was relieved, little Penny, who watched the whole scene unfold in front of her eyes, quietly rushed inside the house to grab her wallet containing her entire wealth — all of 3 dollars.

She returned and asked her mom, “Can I give this to him?” Despite being slightly hesitant, Maber replied, “If you feel like you want to, then yes, you absolutely can.” She proceeded to bolt down the driveway and gave it to the man who kept asking her if she was sure about it and how he’d only accept it if she really wanted it. After receiving a green signal from her mother, the man accepted the money with gratitude, love brimming through his eyes. He promised to pay it forward, using her kindness to further some good in the world. With her unfiltered selflessness, Penny proved that the value of greatness does not have to be great in magnitude — it simply has to be. She did what most adults often think twice before doing, and her parenting must be greatly appreciated for that.

Research by Dr. Celia Brownell at the University of Pittsburgh discusses the origins of “prosocial” behaviors — such as showing kindness and generosity — among children. She discovered that this trait emerges from social interactions between the baby and its caregivers, often starting at birth. Such behaviors start manifesting themselves in one-year-olds through activities like "showing and giving." If these actions receive positive responses from parents, it motivates children to further develop these types of behaviors, thereby encouraging the growth of a healthy spirit.

According to a study by developmental psychologist Felix Warneken from Harvard University, the “helping behavior” is in greater magnitude compared to adults. It adds that children from 14 months old to 5 years are the most helpful and giving “as human beings ever get.” In the study by Dr Woolfson, he said: “Children are innately more kind than adults. That’s why babies cry when they hear the stressed cries of another baby, and that’s why your toddler comforts his tearful friend, perhaps by giving him a cuddly toy to ease his unhappiness. These wonderful acts of kindness happen without any coercion, and they are lovely to observe.”

After watching the wholesome video, @33michelle33 reacts, “Is that the world's kindest man? Your daughter is an angel, and that man handled that interaction like a champ. I’m not crying, you are!” @santaanadreamin highlighted, “I love that this man got to her level and spoke to her with kindness and respect,” and @manders0880 exclaimed, “You’re doing an amazing job mama!”

You can follow Amber Denae (@amberdenae) on Instagram for more wholesome content.