All Kidding Aside

Children can cheer us up better than anyone else. So, if you’re in need of some

encouragement, dial 1-707-873-7862 to get Peptoc, a free hotline dispensing

the wit and wisdom of elementary-age students from West Side School in rural

Healdsburg, California. You can choose to hear “life advice,” “a pep talk from

kindergartners,” or “kids laughing with delight.” And for those feeling “mad,

frustrated, or nervous,” the children offer these unscripted motivational gems:

“If you’re feeling deflated, do what you like best. It reinflates you.”

“If you’re mad, do flips on the trampoline.”

“If you’re sad, go get a cookie, a smoothie, or an ice cream.”

“If you’re feeling unbalanced, think of groundhogs.”

“If you’re frustrated, just go scream outside.”

“If you’re nervous, go get your wallet and spend it on shoes.”