Hearing scary news, a change in routine, or just feeling uncertain is not easy for anyone, especially kids. If these experiences become overwhelming, encourage your kiddo to pause and focus on the good. Look for ‘the helpers’ in your community that work to keep you safe and healthy every day. Mr. Rogers has reminded us of this for many years, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers.’ You will always find people who are helping.”
Remember, there are many types of helpers! Healthcare workers, police officers, first responders, custodians, grocery store workers, teachers, and even parents can all be helpers. Wondering how to discuss ‘helpers’ with children? Teach gratitude and try some acts of appreciation by reaching out and thanking these helpers. Check out a few of our favorite ways to say thank you!
- Brainstorm a list. First, help your class or child identify the helpers in their life. If they’re having a difficult time, ask them some questions. “How do you get to school every day, who serves your lunch, or who keeps you safe and healthy?” Some kids might answer that one or both of their parents are their main helpers but challenge them to think about other people who help sick people or even fill the shelves with groceries. Prompts like these will help kids realize there are helpers in more places than they realize!
- Post a sign of thankfulness in your front yard. Grab the markers and create a sign to express your gratitude for the helpers in your community.
- Paint or post your drawings in your windows. Embrace your space! Express thankfulness while bringing a smile to those passing by. Teachers, if your classroom has windows, have students write messages to thank school custodians, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers.
- Turn your driveway or sidewalk into an encouraging work of art. Break out the sidewalk chalk and create large messages of appreciation and fun designs for all to see.
- Send the helpers in your community a thank you letter or handmade gift. Express gratitude with a simple thank you note or drawing. Whether the note is left on top of a trash can, inside a mailbox, or hand delivered to the bus driver, these small gestures will surely bring a smile to the faces of many helpers. To get started, check out this Gratitude Cards Set.
- Help with the helpers’ tasks. Many helpers still appreciate any extra help they can get! To make some jobs easier, kids can help with classroom cleanup or take an extra moment to pick up after themselves in public spaces.
- Volunteer your time. Many nonprofit organizations in your community are helpers. Reach out to one or a few that you know of and ask how your family or class can volunteer your time. A lot can get done with many hands and helpers!
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