Be The Helper!

Mr. Rogers wisely tells us to "look to the helpers" in our times of need.  Another way to find comfort is to put into action whatever it is that we can offer.  Here is a list of ideas for "being the helper" in difficult times:

1. Reach out to loved ones and friends via FaceTime!  Nothing cheers up an older relative or friend more than seeing a child's shining face.

2. Text elderly neighbors (or any neighbor) and do a little check-in.  Do they need anything?  Can you bring them something, even just to leave on their doorstep?

3. Get Cooking.  Make a big batch of soup or bake up something delicious and share the bounty with a porch drop off.

4. Play Ding Dong Ditch!   Drop off a surprise to a friend, ring the doorbell, and run!  Or, do a digital ding dong ditch via text: "there's a surprise on your doorstep!  Love, me."

5. Set out a little free library or toy store.  I bet there are some kids younger than yours who would love some new-to-them books and toys.

6. Write a Letter.  How long has it been since you or your child have written a letter to someone you love?

7. Set up a scavenger hunt!  Our neighborhood is in the midst of a Shamrock Hunt-- it's been fun to hop into the car and hunt for pictures of shamrocks in the windows of our neighbors and on telephone poles and porches.  more info here

8. Be a maker.  Make a craft item or other work of art for someone.  Take the time to learn something new or finish a project.

9. Give.  If you are able, make an online donation to someone in need.  Compassion is one of the greatest gifts we have to gain from a crisis.

10.  Be loving and kind to your family.  Taking a moment before we react is one of the most powerful actions that we can take with each other.