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TikTok creator @therealmarkiaj recently shared a heart-melting TikTok that’s racked up 7.9 million views. In it, a little one-year-old sprints down a department store aisle, arms wide and a grin that could melt anyone’s heart. Shoppers pause mid-step, bags in hand, and the entire aisle transforms into a line of smiles. Captioned “POV: Your 1 year old loves making friends with strangers”, the video has left internet users gushing over the toddler’s joyful energy.
@markiajenkins my sweet face #toddlersoftiktok #sweetboy #stranger #friendly #fyp ♬ Burning Blue – Mariah the Scientist
Internet users gush over the toddler’s heart-melting hugs”
“I hope the world is never cruel to him. .” @kraftmangotea
“He’s like a tiny ambassador of joy.” @shinza804
“That baby out here fixing peoples souls and he doesn’t even know it.” @lexxi.rae00
“This was not their first hug it looks like a casual friendship .” – @sapriconne3
The clip is a heart-melter, it’s a moment of early pro-social behavior. Toddlers instinctively seek connection, and when adults respond positively, it reinforces kindness and empathy in the little ones. But while the joy is undeniable, it’s also a chance to talk about gentle boundaries and consent—even for tiny humans.
Related: A little girl’s joy at her classmate’s graduation is reminding parents what kindness really looks like
3 steps to help your toddler practice friendly, consent-first interactions:
- Ask first: Encourage words or gestures like, “High-five, wave, or fist bump?”
- Stay close: Keep one adult within arm’s reach for supervision and safety.
- Read the room: If someone looks unsure, smile and move on.
Caregivers and commenters alike have noted the powerful ripple effect of these small gestures. Some suggest structured ways to foster kindness safely, such as supervised senior-home visits or “kindness laps” at local parks, always with consent and an adult present.
Related: The joy in a baby’s smile: What a viral reunion teaches us about infant bonding
The takeaway? Raising warm, empathetic kids doesn’t mean removing all boundaries. It’s about teaching them to connect thoughtfully, with both joy and Respect.
What’s one small kindness your child shared this week?