Every act of kindness matters — big or small! As your child settles into their new school year, challenges will come up with friends, teachers, and at home. It's the same lesson their favorite PBS KIDS characters learn episode after episode: kindness is a choice, and it's always worth making.

When you can, encourage your child to choose kindness too. Say “hello” to someone they haven’t met before. Help a younger student at school to find their classroom. Sit next to someone new on the bus. Ask a sibling about their day. Give a really good hug to someone in your family. Little acts of kindness brighten everyone’s day and makes times of transition easier for everyone.

Be a Kind Friend

Everyone can use a helping hand or a friendly face, especially at the beginning of the school year. Teach your child to be a kind friend by encouraging them to be includers.

• Watch "PBS KIDS Talks About Kindness” 
• Help your kids be kind and compassionate
• Play kindness bingo

Be Kind at Home

Holding it together can be easier for kids at school than at home. Give your child a welcoming and supportive place to land at the end of the day. Teach them that kindness is important everywhere, not just outside your home. Foster positive sibling relationships and help them build the emotional skills that grow empathy. 

• More on how to raise a caring child
• Sing Daniel Tiger’s “You Can Choose to Be Kind”
• Get the Daniel Tiger "Kindness Sweater Printable"

Make Math Fun

June Bug and her friends enjoy fun counting and pattern games. Be like June and explore measurement or try these other fun activities:

• Explore directions at home
• Mix and measure in outdoor math activities
• Play "The Count-y Fair" game