Annabel did a lot of reading while she was home with pneumonia. One of her favorite books was Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls (which I hiiiiiighly recommend for kids). She’d flip through the pages and shout out little facts about the women she was learning about, like Ada Lovelace or Mae Jemison. She was particularly intrigued by Malala Yousafzai and some of the other young activists featured in the book.
Yesterday, after reading some of the stories to James, Annie asked us what she could do to “make the world a better place” like the women she’d read about. Mike and I were like, “Uhhhhh…” but before we could come up with anything, Annie answered her own question. “I know! I’ll make signs reminding people how to be good!”
She went off to her room with some paper and colored pencils, and we thought that was the end of it…until she returned a few minutes later with a stack of signs. “OK! Let’s go put these up around the neighborhood!” Mike and I were like, “Uhhhh…” but she insisted, so off we went.
Her signs were so earnest (and so funny).
STOP! Being mean! START! Being nice!
STOP! Saying no to good! START! Saying yes to good!
STOP! not caring. START! caring
She also had signs that said things like, “STOP LITTERING! START CLEANING!” and “Help other people! Don’t ignore them!”
After she hung up all of her signs, she said, “I think I deserve some ice cream now.” Well played.
Our street is one of the main ways to get to her elementary school, so this morning she beamed as she watched her schoolmates stop to read her signs. “My signs are making people happy! It’s working!”
Can’t wait to see what else this girl does to change the world.
Jeanie says:
Those are great! Annie, you did better than I ever could have.
samatwitch says:
What a fantastic kid you two are raising! Keep it up, Annie. We need more people like you.
Kakali says:
Annie,You can be the leader of our country one day!You are so kind and thoughtful!
Susan says:
What a resilient girl! Can’t wait to see what James does as well one day (so glad to hear he is also okay, btw! Hope you are all doing well now)! You’ve a very thoughtful family!
Melissa says:
Oh goodness, I love Annie’s sweet heart. Although I hope we have a woman president long before she’s old enough, if we don’t, I would be elated if it was her. P.S. I watched the documentary on Malala and it’s wonderful. Some parts might be a little intense for her but it if you skipped those I am sure she’s love it.
Katrina says:
Okay, how cute is she??!!! That’s awesome.
Debbie A-H says:
Such a great kid, with such a wonderful heart.
Kathy says:
LOVE!
Robbin says:
Have her paint rocks with bright colors or sayings and leave them in random places. are they doing that in your area? I know it is popular in St. Louis
Heather says:
No, but that’s such a great idea!
Rachel says:
This is very popular in Grand Forks ND, too. There is a Facebook Group “Grand Forks Rocks” where people are supposed to post a pic of the rocks they find & location, then either re-hide or keep the rock. It’s fun to see where they travel. It could be a fun for Annie to look up places on the map and see how far they have travelled.
Jackson says:
What a terrific idea.
Chris says:
With more kids like her growing up I have hope for our country and the world. Kids are our next generation and she has a great start!!! Good Job Mom and Dad!
Toni says:
That is fantastic, you have to be so proud of that girl! Wish more people were like her!
Auntie_M says:
Yaaaaay! Go Annabel!
Peggy Howard says:
What we could all learn from a Second grader?? Love this age…. full of sass and love all at the same time?????? You are doing a great job! You should be proud!!
Peggy Howard says:
And I live in Pennsylvania and the rocks are around here…. look up kindness rocks????????
Chris says:
Aw jeez *sniffle* I just love her kind heart.
Never stop being kind, Annie! We need it!
Lauren says:
I’m a firm believer that if you change one person, you’ve changed the world. Your little girl has, no doubt, changed the world.
Lauren says:
Oh! And maybe she can continue this streak by Trick-or-Treating for UNICEF! https://www.unicefusa.org/trick-or-treat
Jackson says:
What a great idea or have Annie select a charity she wants to support and get a tag from the organization and wear it as she trick or treats in the neighborhood. It adds legitimacy and I imagine your neighbors will be happy to donate.
Steph says:
What a precious child. Great job, Heather & Mike!
susie says:
my friend started this company https://choosetobenice.com/
take a look at the website annie could become an ambassador.
jordan says:
if only we were all focused on making the world a better place like dear Annie!! She’s going to do good things in this world. Actually, she already is! You Spohrs are doing this parenting thing awesomely.
Lisa says:
This is so amazing. It starts small and grows. Way to go Annie!!