top of page

Kindness

_

The idea for this month's post was inspired by my toddler. Yes, my 2 year old told me what to write about. Over breakfast the other day, I asked my son what Mama should write about for her monthly newsletter. His response of "How 'bout Count and Big Bird?" inspired me.


My son is a big Sesame Street fan, which means I have read, watched, and listened to a lot of Sesame Street over the past few months. As a child, I loved the show. As an adult and psychologist, I have a renewed appreciation of the program and the lessons it teaches. The current season premiered recently and the theme is kindness, a simple fact that I was reminded of with my son's suggestion.



Kindness- what a wonderful concept to focus on this month. Kindness is often confused with being nice, but there are differences. Telling someone they look great before a job interview when they obviously have food stuck in their teeth may be nice but not very kind. The dictionary distinguishes between the helpful nature of being kind and the pleasant nature of being nice.


There are lots of ways to be kind. If you want to get some ideas, take a look at the first episode of Sesame Street this season. You will see people and monsters being considerate, helpful, and loving to one another. All ways of being kind.


Kindness is good for you, others, and the world. It can even boost happiness. If you are interested in learning more about the research on kindness, take a look at this Greater Good article: http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/kindness_makes_you_happy_and_happiness_makes_you_kind


Here are some ideas to generate kindness:

Pay it forward- pay for the order of the car behind you in the drive-thru

Take a friend out for coffee

Help someone carry a bag at the grocery store

Offer to help a family member or friend with a household project

Give a loved one a hug

Provide free babysitting for a parent in need

Tell someone the truth in a gentle manner



How can you show kindness?


Kindly, 

Dr. Laura

1 view

Recent Posts

See All

What Can I Learn?

When adversity comes, your response matters. There is a normal process of coping which often includes allowing yourself to fully...

Thankful During Adversity

There are times when life throws curve balls. We get unexpected news, are given a concerning diagnosis, experience loss, or learn of a...

Mindful Holidays

The holiday season is a common topic of concern for many people. This includes, but is not limited to: problem solving specific plans,...

Laura Van Schaick-Harman, Psy.D.

NYS Licensed Psychologist #019611

NYS Certified School Psychologist

VA Licensed Clinical Psychologist #0810005834

DE Licensed Psychologist # B1-0011379

FL Registered Telehealth Provider #TPPY902

Board Certified- Telemental Health Provider

Virtual Office-Serving All of New York, Virginia, Delaware and Florida* 

Mailing Address: 414 S. Service Road #174 Patchogue, New York 11772

p. 631-484-9679

f. 1 (888)-972-4072

DrLaura@onlinetherapyforanxiety.com

*https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/


Dr. Laura provides online and phone therapy services to people in New York. Sessions serve the following communities: Suffolk County, Nassau County, Smithtown, Nesconset, St. James, Patchogue, Holbrook, Holtsville, Sayville, Bohemia, Bayport, Ronkonkoma, Commack, Huntignton, Kings Park, Mastic, Mastic Beach, Shirley, Center Moriches, East Hampton, Speonk, Southhampton, Bridgehampton, 11772, 11787, 11950, 11932, 11716, 11934, 11730, 11940, 11733, 11941, 11742, 11749, 11760, 11755, 11779, 11951, 11967, 11764, 11955, 11776, 11777, 11780, 11968, 11969, 11792, 11977, 11980, 11978, 11790, 11794, 11720, 11786, 11733, 11782, 11959, 11767, 11766, 11741, 11788, 11739, 11738, 11946, 11937, 11725, 11720, 11931.

#e-therapy, #onlinetherapy, #teletherapy, #anxietytreatment, #treatmentforanxiety, #anxiety, #schoolproblems, #behaviormanagement, #therapy, #treatmentforADHD, #schoolconsultation, #autismtreatment, #OCD, #selectivemutism, #college, #grouptherapy, #collegesuccess, #collegetransition, #phobia, #panicdisorder, #CBT, #cognitivebehaviortherapy, #OCDtreatment, #treatmentforOCD, Psychologist 11772, Child psychologist 11772, Online therapy, therapy smithtown NY, Dr. Laura Van Schaick-Harman, child psychologist 11787, treatment for adhd, treatment for anxiety, parent behavior management training, OCD, Generalized anxiety disorder, GAD, selective mutism, exposure and response prevention, phobias, social anxiety, social phobia, CBIT, comprehensive behavior intervention for tics, #CBThelps, #CBTworks, treatment for OCD, treatment for anxiety, anxiety therapy, panic attacks, treatment for panic attacks, panic disorder, treatment for panic disorder, behavior therapy

Dr. Laura's Meaningful Psychological Services

Online Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Virtual Office New York United States


© 2020 Dr. Laura's Meaningful Psychological Services. All Rights Reserved.

bottom of page