A positive way to help a friend

Have you ever been sad and didn't know why? Have you ever talked to a close friend that had a forced smile? On the outside your friend may have appeared happy, but as you talked you realized your friend was sad about something. What did you do? If you are like most of the friendly children I meet, you tried to help your friend, right? You wanted to know why there was sadness - and hopefully you asked how you could help and did something to cheer up your friend. When I talk to children around the world that may appear unhappy, I find that the best way to cheer them up is to simply listen! Yes, I like to laugh out loud, and I can talk up a storm - but what Mrs. Claus always reminds me of is that I have two ears and one mouth, and "Santa! Use them wisely!"
Listening is sometimes the hardest thing a person can do. But, if you really want to help a friend in need it is very important to first listen before you act. And, I don't mean just hearing the words. It's listening and thinking about what your friends are saying. So too will having a friendly face to talk to when you may be unhappy. Having a friend to talk to and keeping a positive attitude about any issue or problem can often overcome just about anything. Of course having a treat every now and then doesn't hurt either!