Why Kindness Matters: A Speech Therapist’s Perspective on Kindness & Mindfulness for Kids in NYC
I am reminded this week of the late and great Mr. Fred Rogers. His steadfast message of living and leading with kindness and understanding in all our interactions.
Mister Rogers was an American TV personality and host of the acclaimed children’s show – Mister Rogers Neighborhood. He was also a minister and intimately studied early childhood development in his early career.
Mister Rogers, through his teachings and television show, educated and guided generations of young children about the importance of kindness, friendship, understanding, and community. His teachings inspire my speech therapy work with children.
As a speech therapist in NYC, here is one of my favorite quotes from Mister Rogers about showing kindness:
“All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors – in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.”
Words on Kindness & Mindfulness by Mister Rogers
I am reminded of Mister Rogers’ wise words during these current times.
Additionally, I invite us all to pause and remember the strength and power of mindfulness and kindness.
May we all …
- Show our children, students, patients, friends, family, neighbors, and strangers the power of kindness.
- Create a life inspired and driven by kindness.
- Take a moment to pause, breathe, and respond with kindness.
I invite us all to pause and remember the strength and power of kindness.
What are Simple Acts of Kindness?
An act of kindness can be:
- Simple and easy.
- For someone you know or don’t know (just yet).
- Quiet and strong.
Simple acts of kindness can include:
- Smiling at your local shop owner.
- Taking that extra moment to stop by our neighbor’s house and ask how they are doing.
- Sending a quick text to let someone know they are cared for and appreciated.
- Giving an extra deep hug to someone you love.
- Offering a helping hand, such as running an errand for a sick friend.
If everyone took an extra moment to show kindness, this world would quickly fill with a bright and indestructible force of love and peace. This is a belief I integrate into my speech therapy work.
Be safe and well, my friends. Until next time.
Sincerely,
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP at Chatty Child
Nurturing Kindness Through Mindfulness for Kids in NYC
Kindness grows when children feel emotionally regulated, heard, and supported in expressing themselves. From a speech therapist’s perspective, mindfulness helps children slow down, recognize their feelings, and respond to others with care. At Chatty Child, we integrate mindfulness for kids in NYC into speech therapy to support emotional awareness, compassionate communication, and meaningful social connection.
Here’s how families can begin supporting kindness through mindfulness-based care:
- Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call to discuss your child’s emotional awareness, communication style, and how mindfulness-informed support may benefit them.
- Book a personalized evaluation to better understand your child’s strengths, sensitivities, and how they experience emotions and relationships.
- Begin individualized sessions that weave mindfulness practices into speech therapy to support regulation, empathy, and thoughtful communication.
- Watch your child grow as they build self-awareness, strengthen communication skills, and practice kindness with greater confidence.
Whole-Child Speech and Developmental Services for Children in NYC
At Chatty Child, we help children strengthen communication skills that support connection, learning, and everyday confidence. Our approach to speech and developmental care looks beyond isolated skills, honoring the close relationship between communication, emotional regulation, social development, and readiness to learn.
We collaborate with families to create customized support plans that encourage self-expression and growth across home, school, and community environments.
Our services include:
- Speech Therapy – Play-based, individualized sessions that support language development, articulation, social communication, and confident self-expression in real-life settings.
- InterAct – An imaginative, story-centered program that builds language, connection, and confidence through creativity and shared play.
- Occupational Therapy – Support focused on sensory integration, fine motor development, and increased independence in daily routines.
- Hum Studios – Inclusive meditation, mindfulness, and compassion-focused classes designed to be accessible for all ages and abilities.
- Teletherapy – Flexible virtual speech and occupational therapy services available to families across New York State.
- Tutoring – Personalized academic support to strengthen reading, writing, and critical thinking skills.
- Functional Nutrition – Nutrition guidance that supports focus, regulation, and overall developmental wellbeing.
- Consulting – Collaborative support for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children thrive across settings.
- Group Programs – Small-group experiences that encourage communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.
Through evidence-informed practices and creative, individualized care, Chatty Child supports children in developing their voice and growing with confidence.
Meet Heather: Care Rooted in Kindness and Experience
Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a New York–licensed, nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her work is informed by mindfulness training, trauma-aware care, and her lived experience as a neurodivergent, differently-abled individual.
Driven by both personal and professional experience, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice focused on creative, individualized support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that encourages confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Heather and her team offer in-person services at the Tribeca clinic and virtual therapy across New York State, helping children build communication skills and express themselves with confidence.
