Be the helpers; kids need to see it

I’m a big fan of Mr. Rogers.

As a kid, I thought he was a wise and kind man. As an adult, I still think he was a wise and kind man. And he wore a cardigan well.

I believe in the power of kindness. And one of his stories certainly speaks to that. In times of trouble, Mr. Rogers looked to his mom for comfort:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would always say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”

What a wonderful story. And what a wonderful way to be, to live.

Let’s face it, ugliness is all around us. We have tragedy after crisis after tragedy after crisis play out on the news, on social media, and even in encounters in our communities. A few days ago, I saw a near knock-down, drag-out fight in the produce aisle. Over politics.

I, along with other shoppers, stood rather gobsmacked at the whole encounter. Mixed in with the adults was a handful of children, shopping with their parents. While the adults looked on in disbelief, the children just looked scared.

I don’t know that the kids understood the nature of the shouting, and they probably didn’t care about political parties. While that didn’t register with them, fear certainly did.

To children, adults are … or should be ... the helpers. When adults turn into children, at least from a behavioral standpoint, where are children supposed to turn for guidance? For help?

In this time of ugliness and unrest, we should put our differences aside … or at least be respectful and civil to one another … and be the helpers. Think of the lessons children could learn. Not only would they see that it’s OK to have different opinions and ideas than other people, it’s OK to talk about them. And maybe … our children will grow to be the helpers.

Patti Dobson writes about faith for The Eastern New Mexico News. Contact her at: [email protected]