Seeing and Hearing Children: The Power of a Small Act of Kindness

Today, I want to share something deeply personal that ties into both my life and the heart of From the Piney Woods. It’s about how children, especially those who are neglected or abandoned, often aren’t given a voice. These children can’t always tell you what they need, but if we truly see them, we can hear their unspoken cries.

In my story, From the Piney Woods, I was that child—hungry, tired, and dirty. I grew up in a home where basic needs often went unmet. There were days when I didn’t have lunch, when I went to bed without a proper meal, or when I felt utterly invisible. But in the chaos, there were a handful of people who noticed me, who saw me. These were the people who encouraged me, even with the smallest acts of kindness. A smile, a kind word, or someone who quietly provided for a need without making me feel ashamed. These small moments were lifelines that still stay with me today.

Children growing up in neglectful or abandoned home environments are always watching. They may not have the words to ask for help, but they are paying close attention to everything happening around them. The way people behave, the way they dress, the way they treat others—this becomes their education on how to navigate the world. These children are observing who is safe and who isn’t. When you offer kindness, you’re showing them that someone cares, and more importantly, that they matter.

So, what do we do when we see these children? First and foremost, we see them. If you notice a child without lunch, a child who isn’t clean, or one who seems exhausted, don’t just look the other way. Your small gesture—a sandwich, a smile, or reaching out to a teacher—could make all the difference. It might seem small to you, but to that child, it could be everything.

One small act of kindness can live on in a child’s heart for years. I know because it did for me. I can still remember the faces of those who showed me kindness when I needed it most. Their compassion continues to have an impact on me, long after the moment passed.

Children from homes like mine notice everything because, for many of us, it’s the only way to learn how to behave in society. It’s the only way we learn who is safe to be around, and who we can trust. Your kindness, even if it’s brief, teaches them that there are good people in the world—people who see and hear them.

Please remember that even the smallest gesture can make a lasting impact on a child who feels invisible. Let’s all make the choice to see and hear these children. You never know how much of a difference it could make.

With gratitude and compassion,

PJ Hamilton