The Golden Rule

Once upon a time, in a peaceful village nestled by a calm river, there lived a wise and kind old woman named Mara. She was known throughout the village for her gentle heart and the way she treated everyone with great respect, no matter who they were or where they came from. People from near and far would visit her house, seeking advice or simply to enjoy her company.

One day, a young boy named Tayo visited Mara. He was feeling frustrated because some of the children at school had been teasing him. “Why do they treat me this way?” Tayo asked Mara, his eyes filled with confusion.

Mara smiled and invited Tayo to sit with her. “Let me tell you a story,” she said.

“Long ago, there was a king who ruled over a vast kingdom. He was a kind and just ruler, but he often wondered what made a person truly good. One day, he called together his advisors and asked, ‘What is the most important rule to live by? What makes a person truly good?’”

The advisors all gave different answers. Some said it was kindness, others said it was courage. One said it was generosity, while another believed wisdom was the most important thing. But the king, still unsure, decided to visit the wise old sage who lived in the forest to seek an answer.

The sage listened carefully to the king and then said, “The most important rule of all is simple. It is the Golden Rule.”

The king was puzzled. “The Golden Rule?” he asked.

“Yes,” the sage replied. “It is this: ‘Treat others as you would want to be treated.’ If you want kindness, show kindness. If you want respect, show respect. If you want understanding, offer understanding. This rule is the foundation of all that is good in this world.”

The king thought deeply about the sage’s words and returned to his kingdom. From that day on, he followed the Golden Rule in everything he did. He treated his people with kindness and respect, listened to their needs, and helped them when they were in trouble. His kingdom became a peaceful place, where everyone felt valued and cared for.

As Mara finished her story, Tayo thought for a moment. “So, you’re saying that if I treat others the way I want to be treated, they will treat me the same?” he asked.

Mara nodded gently. “Yes, my child. The Golden Rule teaches us that respect begins with ourselves and how we treat others. If you treat others with kindness, they will likely treat you with kindness in return. And if not, you have still done your part in making the world a better place.”

Tayo smiled, feeling comforted by Mara’s words. From that day on, he decided to treat everyone with kindness and respect, just as he wished to be treated. He found that by following the Golden Rule, his days became brighter, and even the children who had teased him began to change, treating him with more kindness and understanding.

Moral:

Treat others the way you want to be treated—this is the ultimate form of respect and kindness.

Additional Lessons:

Kindness: The story emphasizes treating others with kindness and understanding.
Respect: The Golden Rule directly relates to respecting others and valuing their feelings and needs.

Parenting Tip: Teach your child the importance of empathy and kindness by practicing the Golden Rule in daily life. Encourage discussions about how their actions can positively impact others, and lead by example in showing respect and understanding to those around you.

Fun Questions For Curious Kids:

Why do you think the king wanted to know the most important rule to live by?
What do you think the Golden Rule means in your own words?
How did the Golden Rule help Tayo deal with being teased?
Can you think of a time when someone treated you kindly? How did it make you feel?
What are some ways you can show kindness and respect to your friends or family?
Why do you think the children who teased Tayo started being kind to him?
If you were the king, what rule would you choose to make the world a better place?
How do you feel when someone listens to your feelings?
Do you think it’s hard or easy to follow the Golden Rule? Why?
What would Mara say to someone who finds it hard to be kind to others?

Did You Know?

The Golden Rule exists in many cultures and religions around the world, showing how universal the idea of kindness is!
In ancient Egypt, a similar rule appeared in texts over 2,000 years ago: “Do for others what you would wish to happen to you.”
The Golden Rule is often called the “Ethic of Reciprocity,” meaning it’s a two-way street of mutual respect.
Many schools around the world teach the Golden Rule to help students build good relationships with others.
Scientific studies show that acts of kindness release “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin in the brain, making both the giver and receiver happier.
The Golden Rule is part of the United Nations’ teachings on global citizenship and peace.
The words “Golden Rule” may come from its value, as gold is precious, just like kindness and respect.
Smiling at someone is a small way to follow the Golden Rule—it spreads happiness!
Treating animals kindly is another way to follow the Golden Rule. Every creature deserves respect!
You can follow the Golden Rule even when you don’t agree with someone by being polite and understanding their perspective.

Activity Idea:

Golden Rule Craft
Create a “Golden Rule Reminder” poster with your child. Use bright colors and draw pictures of kind actions, like sharing, helping, and listening. Write the Golden Rule at the top: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” Display it at home as a daily reminder to be kind.

Download Free Coloring Pages Related To This Story

Bring the story to life with coloring pages designed to spark creativity and make story time even more fun. Coloring helps kids express their creativity, improve focus, and reinforce the story’s themes in a fun, engaging way. After reading together, let them bring the story to life with colors!

Click on any of the free coloring pages below to download or print it!