Stark County District Library: Lessons On Kindness From Mister Rogers

Press release from the Stark County District Library:

“It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood. A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?”

Each week, Mister Rogers welcomed us into his home to talk to us about difficult topics, show us how the world worked, and teach us how to be good neighbors. He taught us how to be brave, how to be compassionate, and— above all else—how to be kind.

Kindness is what brings us together as a community. That’s why this year’s One Book One Community selection is perfect! Each year, we come together as a community to read a common book and enjoy events and discussions about it. This year’s theme is—you guessed it— kindness! And who is a better inspiration than Mr. Rogers?

There are a ton of kindness inspired activities to go along with One Book, One Community, but we wanted to share some ideas to help you #BeKind in your own neighborhood. Keep reading for three lessons on kindness courtesy of Mister Rogers.

Lesson #1: Say something nice.

“Imagine what our neighborhoods would be like if each of us offered, as a matter of course, just one kind word to another person.”

It’s easy to underestimate the power of a kind word, a sincere compliment, or even just a cheerful greeting. This past year has left a lot of us feeling isolated and disconnected, but we’ve also seen people come together to make supportive signs for our nurses, sidewalk art, and messages of encouragement to cheer up our neighbors.

A kind word is a small, but powerful gesture that can instantly brighten someone’s day. Say hello to a neighbor, offer a sincere compliment, or even paint a rock with a positive message and hide it for a stranger to find. It doesn’t take much to show others that #KindnessRocks.

Lesson #2 Help a Neighbor.

"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.”

In the past year, we’ve seen people come together to support our frontline workers by sewing masks, 3D printing medical equipment and PPE, and delivering food to those in need. In the midst of the chaos, our communities are working tirelessly to help others.

There are plenty of ways to help in your own community. You can check in on your neighbor, drop off a meal, clear the drive for an elderly neighbor— you probably have loads of ideas. We’d love to hear them! Create an original art piece or enter our video contest to share how you spread kindness throughout your school, neighborhood, or community. Learn more.

Lesson #3 Spread Kindness

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”

Studies show that random acts of kindness have a ripple effect, and cause others to pass it on. No, really! Have you ever been in line at the coffee shop and discovered that the car in front of you paid for your latte? It’s a nice surprise, puts a smile on your face, and you pass along the favor.

Kindness is contagious. Why not try spreading a few random acts of kindness? Leave someone a note, buy someone’s coffee, leave quarters at the laundry mat— you will brighten someone’s day! Then consider borrowing Pay it Forward for your next movie night! (Warning: You’ll need tissues!)

This press release was produced by the Stark County District Library. The views expressed are the author's own.