There’s something beautifully ordinary about watching kids have meltdowns at birthday parties. This weekend, someone shared their experience observing three different families - Asian, Caucasian, and Indian - all navigating the chaos of children’s birthday celebrations at a play centre in Heidelberg. What struck them most wasn’t the differences between these families, but the remarkable similarities: tantruming birthday kids, complaints about overpriced venues, parking struggles, allergy concerns, and yes, even AFL discussions (with two families unfortunately backing the Bombers).

There’s something uniquely beautiful about the simple act of a toddler waving at strangers. Today, a heartwarming discussion caught my attention, reminding me of how these tiny gestures can create ripples of joy throughout our community.

The cynical among us might dismiss such interactions as trivial, but the reality is far more profound. Bus drivers light up their vehicles with a friendly toot, train conductors wave back with enthusiasm, and even the most hurried commuters find themselves breaking into genuine smiles when greeted by a tiny hand waving hello.