Spreading kindness during troubling times
During these unprecedented times, many people, young and old, are struggling.
Lack of social interaction is causing a large number of people to feel isolated and lonely, and many are experiencing depression and anxiety. Because of this, it is more important than ever for all of us to have empathy for each other and spread kindness whenever we can.
After Sept. 11, 2001, I remember reading a quote from Mr. Rogers about easing children’s anxiety by telling them to look for the helpers. Seeing the good in the world takes some of the attention away from the bad things that are happening, and in these troubling times, we all have
As a parent, I am trying to help my boys perform their own random acts of kindness. At the beginning of the pandemic, we put a heart in our window to show love for essential workers and our neighbours who were doing their part to keep us safe by staying home.
The secret to spreading kindness is to identify your talents and share them with others. I’ve been inspired by the many people who are using their sewing skills to make masks, the artists who are sharing free online painting classes with families, and the musicians who are posting videos of their performances.
the ability to “be a helper” and make the world a kinder and better place.
Over the past several weeks, I’ve been extremely moved by all the kind initiatives I have seen on social media. I’m inspired by the essential workers that are making sure we have food to eat and that our health care needs are being met. I’ve seen videos of dancing doctors and nurses and celebrities performing free online concerts. Many people are offering to drop off food and essentials to those that can’t get out, and companies are changing their manufacturing processes in order to provide essential PPE to those that need it. The lesson to be learned from these actions is that everyone can do something!
As a parent, I am trying to help my boys perform their own random acts of kindness. At the beginning of the pandemic, we put a heart in our window to show love for essential workers and our neighbours who were doing their part to keep us safe by staying home. We also tried to encourage others to put hearts in their windows too (and we love seeing them when we go out on our evening walks). Last week, we added a rainbow to our window to spread even more cheer and the “we are all in this together” message.
I have also had my boys draw pictures to mail to isolated people in our local nursing home, and they have baked cookies to leave on our neighbour’s doorsteps. I also plan to have my boys paint rocks with encouraging works and pictures to place around our neighbourhood. These are all small gestures, but there is something empowering and comforting about showing kids that there are things they can do to make the world a better place during stressful times.
The secret to spreading kindness is to identify your talents and share them with others. I’ve been inspired by the many people who are using their sewing skills to make masks, the artists who are sharing free online painting classes with families, and the musicians who are posting videos of their performances. My boys and I have been trying to post videos of some of our favourite crafts and activities online, and we hope they are helping families have fun and learn new things.
Small acts have a big impact when we all participate. Now is the perfect time for you and your family to share your gifts and talents with your friends, neighbours and community. Have fun, stay safe, and continue to spread kindness!