“It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?…” Mr. Rogers knew how to rock being a good neighbor! Today is National Good Neighbor Day! A day to celebrate the importance of a good neighbor. It’s the perfect time to teach your kids about being a good neighbor and member of the greater community. Here are 10 simple things you and your kids can do to make your neighborhood beautiful.
- Get to know your neighbors. This seems like a given, but in this fast paced world, many neighbors don’t even know each other’s names. This is also a good way to have the kids practice introducing themselves.
- Be neighborly, say hello, and give them a wave. Kids can be shy. Lead by example and teach your kids to speak and say hello to a neighbor when they see them out.
- Be considerate. Kids need to learn boundaries. Not only do they need learn to be respectful of neighbor’s property they also need to be respectful of their privacy.
- Do not litter. If you are in a neighbor’s yard and have a piece of gum, do not just throw the wrapper down. Put it in your pocket to take it home and throw away, or find garbage to put it in.
- Look for ways to be helpful. For example, if your neighbors are on vacation offer to bring in the mail or mow their yard.
- Don’t cover it up. Accidents will happen. Teach your child what to do when things go wrong.
- Help out. If you know a neighbor who is sick or just had a baby offer to bring over a meal or to babysit.
- Plan or participate in neighborhood block parties/celebrations. Getting together a few times a year creates and strengthens bonds with your neighbors. And kids love them! Get them involved and let them help with the planning.
- Deliver holiday or birthday gifts. This is a great opportunity to show a little neighborly love. Bake them cookies for the holidays, deliver May baskets or simply take them a cup of coffee, just because.
- Look out for each other. Even if you’re not in a “neighborhood watch” neighborhood, keep your eye on anyone you don’t know acting suspiciously around your neighbor’s property.
What’s your tips for being a good neighbor? Share them with us in the comments below.
