One cold day in the countryside, a child found a small turtle. It aroused his curiosity and he started turning it over in his hands, trying to force it out of its shell to play with it. But whenever the little one insisted on taking it out, it closed its shell tightly and barricaded itself inside. His uncle saw him trying to open it with a stick and said to him, “No, no, this is not the way to get what you want.” He took the turtle home and placed it near the heater. After a few minutes, it began to feel warm and stuck its head and legs out and began to crawl quietly towards the child. The uncle said, “People, my son, are like turtles. Do not try to force a person to do something, but rather warm him with some of your kindness. That is more likely to make him do what you want.” God, how beautiful this advice is. That uncle was right. People, whether young or old, do not like violence and cruelty and do not respond to them. The wise man is the one who knows how to fill hearts with love and tenderness to make them do what he wants willingly and without entering into any kind of conflict. If that is the case, then why do some teachers believe that scowling, domineering and raising the voice are… The best tools to control the situation inside the classroom. I see them engaging in a conflict similar to that child's conflict with the turtle. If spreading peace is a duty and smiling is charity, then how about with our children? I believe we now understand why the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, recommended kindness and made it a crown that adorns our actions in life. So why don't we reject harshness in dealing with our children and replace it with encouragement to break down any old barriers? Let our motto be: Smiling is the secret to life...and a ray of light that warms hearts.