Why Kindness Matters: A Speech Therapist’s Perspective on the Importance of Kindness

I am reminded this week of the late and great Mr. Fred Rogers and his steadfast message of living and leading with kindness and understanding in all our undertakings and 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.

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.”

I am reminded of Mister Rogers’ wise words during these current times.

I invite us all to pause and remember the strength and power of 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.

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 – running an errand for a sick friend.

If everyone took an extra moment to show kindness and support those around them – this world would quickly fill with a bright and indestructible force of love and peace.

Be well safe and well my friends – until next time.

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP at Chatty Child

Meet Heather Boerner, Helping Children Find Their Voice

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA, CCC-SLP, is a licensed, nationally certified speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience providing pediatric speech therapy in NYC. Her work is guided by mindfulness training, a trauma-informed lens, and her lived experience as a neurodiverse, differently-abled individual, shaping a compassionate, whole-child approach to care.

Motivated by her personal and professional journey, Heather founded Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC, an inclusive practice centered on creativity and individualized support. She is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book created to encourage confidence, curiosity, and connection.

Heather and her team offer in-person therapy at the Tribeca clinic and virtual services throughout New York State, helping children build communication skills, confidence, and comfort in expressing their voice.

Holistic Speech and Developmental Services for Children in NYC

At Chatty Child, we help children build communication skills that support confidence, connection, and everyday success. Our holistic approach to speech therapy recognizes that language development is closely tied to emotional regulation, learning, and relationships.

We work collaboratively with families to create individualized plans that support self-expression and developmental growth across home, school, and community settings.

Our services include:

InterAct – A playful, story-based program that builds language, social connection, and confidence through imagination and interaction.
Occupational Therapy – Support for sensory integration, fine motor skills, and independence in daily routines.
Teletherapy – At-home speech and occupational therapy for families across New York State.
Tutoring – Personalized academic support to strengthen reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Functional Nutrition – Nutrition guidance to support focus, regulation, and development.
Consulting – Collaborative support for caregivers and educators.
Group Programs – Small-group experiences that promote communication, cooperation, and social-emotional growth.

Through evidence-informed care and creative, individualized support, Chatty Child helps children find their voice and grow with confidence.