Deedee Cummings's Blog

Published on October 1st, 2020. Updated November, 28 2025.

100 Simple Ways to Be Kind

It feels like our planet is in constant turmoil. We are surrounded by negative words, bad news, and intense conflicts. Every person we encounter in our daily routine is likely struggling with something. We are all fighting quiet battles. Some of us handle them more than others but no one is exempt from the worry, heartache, and uncertainty.

Showing kindness is a small way to make a big difference. If we can all be more mindful of how our actions and reactions impact the rest of the human race, we will build a kinder society. There are so many ways to be kind. This list has 100 ideas to get you started.

Extra Motivation to Practice Kindness

Did you know that being kind to others is good for you too? If you are having a bad day, the best thing you can do to turn the day around is show kindness to someone else. Even a small act of kindness can have a positive effect on your stress levels and emotional well-being.

As human beings, our emotional well-being impacts our mental health, our actions, and our self-esteem. When we are hurting, we are more likely to hurt people. If we feel happier, we are able to show up as a better person in our own lives.

Just like Nick learned in Hope in the Nick of Time, hope and kindness are all around us. Sometimes we just have to shift our perspective to be able to see it. A kind word or an unexpectedly kind stranger can be all it takes to shift our thoughts from all that is wrong to all that is right. A positive outlook can make a world of difference.

When hope and kindness feel hard to find, that could mean it is our turn to create moments of kindness for others. There are so many small, simple ways to be kind. From helping with yard work to taking the time to talk with a friend who is feeling lonely, even small gestures have a positive effect on how you feel while making someone else feel good too.

I challenge you to bring one act of kindness to friends or family members each day. Your loved ones will appreciate it, your self-esteem will soar, and you will be making a big difference with small gestures.

100 Simple Ways to Nurture KindnessBuy books about kindness and peace and gift them to others. This is the Earth is a beautiful choice!Talk in a warm tone.Paint rocks with cool messages and leave them around your neighborhood.Thank others for sharing their feelings with you.Listen with the sole purpose of listening, not to respond.Read more books about the lives of others to develop your own level of empathy.Read books with stories about the lives of others to children.Tell someone, “I wish there were more people like you in this world”.Bring a cup of coffee or hot cocoa along for someone else.Make sure to acknowledge someone’s kindness to you.Let someone sleep in.Listen and pay attention to what people are passionate about.Bring drinks to a party.Call someone and listen to them. No advice. No judgment. Just listen.Tell someone you “hear” them (even when you don’t agree).Pass out big hugs (with permission).Write a letter or a postcard and drop it in the mail just to say thanks.Offer to babysit.Visit a friend who has been ill.Call and visit people during the six months to three years after they’ve lost a loved one.Tell little kids they look “smart”.Smile and make eye contact with others.Pass out little pieces of wrapped chocolate.Pay for the order behind you in the drive-through line.Ask someone how they are doing and then stop to listen to their reply.Help an elderly neighbor.Bake a cake, muffins, cookies, or brownies and give them away.Offer a bottle of water to someone, especially if they are working outside on a hot day.Say I love you because… (and give a genuine unique reason).Tell people how wonderful they are and that you are happy they are in your life.Say that you are sorry when it is warranted.Help out with a chore or errand.Say that you are going to the grocery store and ask someone if they need anything.Ask someone who is struggling, “How can I help?”Show up.Go to the Farmer’s Market and support local farmers.Invite someone to the Farmer’s Market who you know does not get out much.Say, “I’m glad I got to spend this time with you.”Hold the door open.Send a greeting card.Pick up trash, even when it is not yours and throw it away.Give compliments freely.Say please and thank you.Put your phone away for long periods of time while with others.Sit with someone on their porch.Invite someone to play Uno.Hold someone’s hand.Sit with someone while they cry.Say, “I don’t know what to say, but I will sit here with you.”Offer to go to therapy with someone who is struggling.Answer the phone when someone calls.Put an encouraging note in someone’s lunch box.Tell people you are happy to hear from them.Give someone your recipe.Cheer for others.Speak up for others to validate their experiences.Send a care package to a stranger serving in the military.Keep your word.Wave thanks to fellow drivers when they are kind.Pray for someone.Give a new mom her own gift.Invite someone over for ice cream.Take someone to lunch and pay.Make a conscious decision to use a kind voice.Make a conscious decision not to argue.Only make positive comments on social media posts.Do not argue on social media. Not many minds are changed there.Create positive social media posts that encourage those who see them.Plan to have and exercise more patience.Let people through while in traffic.Do not be offended or react when someone else is not kind in traffic. We do not know what they are going through.Clean out your closet and cabinets and donate things you no longer use or need.Model ways to be kind in front of your children. Actions speak louder than words.Write an encouraging note full of kind words.Offer someone your seat.Laugh at someone’s joke.Show self-kindness. Give yourself a break when you need it.Respect someone’s wishes.Write compliments on sticky notes and leave them around the house or the office.Frame a photo memory and give it to the people in the picture.Grow and give away tomatoes.Volunteer to help out at a party or event.Tell people their idea sounds really cool.Give someone in need a couple of dollars to grab a burger. Don’t worry about what they will do with it. Not your problem.Don’t judge or assume. Acknowledge that you really don’t know.Work extra hard on being less judgmental. Acknowledge that you do not have it all figured out.Participate in neighborhood activities.Teach your children how to meet people and make new friends.Say, “I appreciate you!” often.Leave a bigger tip than what is recommended.Talk with someone else about the physical beauty of this world, our home.Give someone a candle that smells really good.Ask someone if they want to go for a short walk and then just listen as they walk and talk.Thank others for their time.Spend time in the warm quiet sunshine. Acts of kindness to yourself matter too!Make dinner for your neighbor.Bring doughnuts.Forgive someone.Just do YOU. Embedding yourself in other people’s business is an unkind gesture-especially if your help or advice is unsolicited.Support, don’t judge.Small Gestures Lead to Big Changes

As parents and educators, it is our duty to bring kindness into our homes and classrooms. When the world around us often shows the opposite, we have to bring more kindness into our daily lives. What better way to set an example than through our own actions and choices. We need to come together as a nation of beautifully diverse people and showing kindness is one of the many ways we can get there.

The post 100 Simple Ways to Be Kind appeared first on Make A Way Media.

Why the message of Black Santa children’s books matters

For some people, the idea of a Black Santa books feels unfamiliar—but unfamiliar doesn’t mean wrong. It simply means we haven’t seen it enough.

Santa is a symbol of joy, generosity, magic, and possibility.
And every child deserves to see themselves reflected in that magic.

Representation in holiday stories isn’t about excluding anyone.
It isn’t about rewriting tradition.
And it definitely isn’t about saying one version of Santa is better than another.

It’s about making room for all of us. Everyone fits. Everyone belongs. There is room for all of us. Isn’t that a beautiful thing?

It’s about expanding the circle so more children feel seen, valued, and included. Maya Angelou said we are more alike than different and Black Santa books remind us of that sentiment exactly.

Why This Matters (Especially to Those Who Don’t See the Issue Yet):⭐ 1. Children learn who matters by who appears in their stories.

Kids notice patterns long before they have the words to explain them.
If children never see Black Santas—or Black heroes of any kind—they can quietly absorb the message that magic, kindness, and leadership don’t belong to kids who look like them.

Representation in holiday books helps correct that message.

⭐ 2. Black Santa books teach kids of all races about a world bigger than their own.

One of the reasons that Make A Way Media supports the nonprofit group Read Your World is because this is their exact message! When children of all races see Black Santas, it nurtures empathy and expands their understanding of beauty and normalcy.

It teaches all of us that goodness and love come in every shade.

Kids who grow up seeing diversity grow into adults who appreciate diversity.

⭐ 3. Holidays are about joy—and joy should be shared widely.

A Black Santa doesn’t erase anyone’s tradition.
It simply adds another way for families to experience wonder.

Joy multiplies when more people are invited in.

⭐ 4. Holiday stories shape identity and memory.

For many families, Christmas books become heirlooms.
Imagine what it means for a Black child to turn the page and see someone who looks like them bringing joy to the world—not as a side character, but as the heart of the story.

That experience stays with them for life.

⭐ 5. Because kids deserve stories where they are the ones who save the day.

Most Black characters in children’s books appear in stories about history, pain, or struggle.
Those stories are necessary—but they should not be the only ones.

A Black Santa or a Black child helping Santa sends a powerful message:
You are worthy of magic. You are worthy of joy. You can be the hero, too.

⭐ 6. Holiday stories reach children early—before stereotypes set in.

By the time children hit adolescence, beliefs are harder to shift.
Holiday books reach them when their worldview is still soft, still forming.

This is preventive work.
It is empathy work.
It is identity work.
This is heart work.

It is also the reason why our founder, Deedee Cummings, dedicated an entire series called In the Nick of Time to this very important work.

A message for people who feel unsure or resistant to Black Santa children’s books as an idea

If the idea of a Black Santa feels new to you, that’s okay.
New things often take time.

But here’s something to consider:

Black Santas don’t take anything away from anyone.
They simply give more children the chance to feel seen.

A world where more children feel included is a better world for all of us.

And if we can’t stretch the magic of Santa wide enough to include everyone… what does that say about the limits we’re teaching?

We are more alike than different, my friends. ~Maya Angelou

What is more magical… and more Christmas… than that?

The post Why the Message of Black Santa Children’s Books Matters appeared first on Make A Way Media.

We all want to raise kind, appreciative children who are aware of the good things in their lives. But how do you actually teach kids gratitude in a way that sticks?

It takes more than simply reminding them to say “thank you.” True gratitude is an awareness that we can help our children cultivate. Teaching gratitude gives children a powerful tool for resilience, greater happiness, and deeper connection that will last a lifetime. Let’s explore a few simple ways you can raise grateful kids that feel both authentic and joyful for the whole family.

Why It’s Important to Teach Kids Gratitude

Before diving into the “how,” it’s helpful to understand the “why.” Gratitude isn’t just a polite social skill; it’s foundational for emotional well-being. When children learn to recognize and appreciate the good in their lives, they begin to notice even more of the good that surrounds them. Gratitude practice has been proven to improve our moods, make us feel happier, help us build better relationships, and even help us live longer.

For kids and adults, gratitude can be an anchor when life feels overwhelming. It helps use see what we have, not just what we lack. That builds resilience that helps us navigate the disappointment and stress that life sometimes brings. When we nurture gratitude in our homes, we equip kids with a mindset that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

6 Practical Ways to Nurture Gratitude in Your Home

Modeling gratitude at home doesn’t have to be another item on your to-do list. It can be easy and fun. With consistent practice, it will become second nature, something you don’t even have to think about. The benefits of showing appreciation and noticing all we have to be grateful for will benefit your entire family.

1. Model the Behavior You Want to See: Express Gratitude

The most effective way to teach kids gratitude is to model it yourself. Children are incredibly observant. They often learn more from what we do than what we say. When they see you express appreciation regularly, they learn that being grateful is a normal part of daily life.

Think about how you interact with the world. Do you express appreciation for a meal someone prepared? Do you thank the checkout person at the store? Make a conscious effort to voice your thankfulness aloud. Say things like, “I’m so grateful for this sunny day. The sun feels wonderful on my skin,” or “Thank you so much for your help cleaning up. It made the job so much faster.”

These simple statements point out the little blessings we have all around us. The helps kids see the importance of appreciating the small things while strengthening your bond as a family.

2. Start a “Three Good Things” Ritual

Another easy and powerful way to teach kids gratitude is by turning it into a daily ritual. Before bed or during dinner, have everyone in the family share three good things that happened during their day. These don’t have to be monumental events. In fact, being able to find the small joys on a daily basis is what gratitude practice is all about.

A “good thing” could be:

Spotting a beautiful butterfly on the way home from school.Enjoying a favorite snack.Receiving a hug from a friend.Finishing a tricky puzzle.

This simple exercise trains our brains to actively look for the positive pieces of our day. It reminds us that good that is always present.

3. Create a Family Gratitude Jar

A gratitude jar is a beautiful visual representation of all the things your family has to be thankful for. Find a large jar or box and place it in a central location, like the kitchen counter or living room. Keep a stack of small slips of paper and pens next to it.

Encourage everyone to write down things they are grateful for as they think of them and add the notes to the jar. There are no rules—it could be a person, a feeling, an experience, or a simple pleasure. Once a week, take time to empty the jar and read the notes aloud together. This activity not only helps teach kids gratitude but also creates a beautiful family tradition and a record of your collective joy.

4. Start a Family Gratitude Journal

This idea is similar to the last. If having small pieces of paper and pens out all the time sounds too complicated, get a family gratitude journal and write your notes there. Be sure to choose a time each week to read through the journal entires together. Spend time talking about all the little blessings you experienced during the week and how they impacted you.

5. Go Beyond Basic Thank-You Notes

Writing thank-you notes is a classic way to express gratitude. This activity takes it a step further. Why not move beyond the obligatory notes for holiday and birthday gifts to surprise thank you notes? Help your child write a note of appreciation to someone who wouldn’t expect it.

Consider thanking:

A teacher who was extra patient or made learning fun.A librarian who helped find the perfect book.A coach who offered encouragement after a tough game.A friend who was especially kind on a bad day.

This simple practice helps children notice the positive impact people have on our lives, strengthening their relationships and sense of community.

6. Use Stories to Spark Conversation

Books are a fantastic tool to teach kids gratitude in an engaging way. Stories help kids see concepts like appreciation and kindness in action, making these abstract ideas a little more concrete.

For example, in the book Hope in the Nick of Time, Nick’s day in New York City isn’t going as planned. An unexpected teacher helps him see the good among the bad. He discovers that gratitude isn’t about having a perfect day—it’s about noticing small moments of kindness, hope, and joy, even when circumstances are tough.

By following Nick’s journey, children see a relatable character model the process of finding gratitude in difficult times. This makes the concept of thankfulness more accessible and encourages kids to adopt a similar mindset in their own lives. When children witness characters like Nick practicing gratitude, it opens the door for meaningful conversations about how to find the good, reflect on what they’re thankful for, and build resilience when things don’t go as planned.

As you read together, pause and ask questions to deepen empathy and understanding. You could ask, “How do you think that character felt when their friend helped them?” or “What is something from this story that makes you feel happy?” Use literature to open the door for meaningful conversations about what gratitude looks and feels like.

The Lasting Impact of a Grateful Heart

When you teach kids gratitude, you are giving them more than just good manners. You are providing them with a framework for a happier, more resilient life. Children who practice gratitude are better equipped to handle challenges, build strong friendships, and stay hopeful during hard times.

Building this habit creates a more positive home environment for everyone. It shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what’s right, fostering a culture of appreciation and kindness. Start small, be consistent, and remember that your own grateful heart is the best teacher of all.

If you are looking for books and activities that will help your family practice gratitude together, the Make A Way Media shop is full of them. To show how grateful we are for you, use code Thanks15 to get 15% off your order from now until November 30, 2025. 

The post How to Teach Kids Gratitude: More Than Just “Thank You” appeared first on Make A Way Media.

We spend a lot of time thinking about how to help kids dream. Dreams are important and children are already working right now to shape and build our future. At Make A Way Media, we believe that every child’s dream is worth believing in, protecting, nurturing, and bringing that dream to life. Dreams don’t just appear out of nowhere—they’re planted, watered, and grown through hope, representation, and belief in possibility.

Here’s how our books and programs help make that happen:

We Show Them What’s Possible

Because we already know how difficult it is for children to dream about the things they’ve never seen.
That’s why our books feature diverse characters, real-world challenges, and inspiring role models. When kids see heroes who look like them and stories that look like the life they live, they realize “I can do that too.”

We Teach Hoping Skills™

Simply put, dreaming is hard if you don’t believe in the future.
Our stories and resources introduce a new concept we developed: hoping skills™—the ability to believe in what you can’t yet see, to take steps toward a better tomorrow, and to keep going even when it’s tough. These skills turn fragile wishes into resilient goals.

We Nurture Self-Belief

Limiting labels, bullying, and stereotypes can crush a dream before it even starts. We know that every person is worthy. Every person has a voice and a story to share. Through relatable characters, uplifting messages, and doable practical tools, our books remind kids:

“You are not your circumstances. You are not what negative voices say you are.”

~Deedee Cummings

We Connect Stories to Real-Life Action

Also, many of our titles include reflection questions, activity guides, therapeutic tools or conversation starters for families, communities and educators. This helps kids take the story’s lesson and apply it to their own lives in a way that sticks, making their dreams feel real and reachable.

We Build a Culture of Possibility

On top of all that, Make A Way Media is more than a publisher—we’re a movement for hope and representation. Through school visits, workshops, community events, and digital resources, we surround children with encouragement, knowledge, and examples of real-life dreamers who made a way for themselves.

…And… we also help their parents, teachers, caregivers and loved ones.

Pick up your free guide to growing hope even in discouraging times here!

We don’t just tell stories. We plant seeds of hope, water them with encouragement, and give kids the tools to grow their own dreams—no matter where they start. ~Founder and Author Deedee Cummings

The post How Make A Way Media Helps Kids Dream appeared first on Make A Way Media.

Most people think that hope is a fleeting emotion, something that comes and goes. In reality, hope is more of a skill. Hope is a lot like a muscle. We can strengthen and grow it. When we know how to grow and maintain hope in our own lives, we can bring hope to others. Here are 10 simple ways you can spread hope and kindness today.

Bring Hope In Hard Times

It seems like everybody is struggling right now. We are struggling with what is happening in our homes, in the world, and even in our own communities. Many of us feel like we are slowly losing hope. And it makes sense.

People lose hope when they are inundated with bad news, obstacles, and unforeseen circumstances. When your brain is overwhelmed by fear, it struggles to process or focus on anything else. You start to forget things you would normally remember. People feel tired, sad, or even sick from all the stress and negative emotions flooding their bodies.

The thing is, this flood of bad news is intentional. It’s called the “flood the zone” strategy. If we are given a huge piece of bad news each day, we get distracted by that. We are so focused on the “big thing” going on that everything else, good or bad, gets swept away in the flood.

When the world around us feels like it’s falling apart, spreading and maintaining hope isn’t just a sweet idea. It is a powerful form of resistance.

Hope keeps us connected with our humanity. It maintains a more positive environment for our loved ones, in our community, and in the world. You don’t need huge, grand gestures to build or spread hope. Small, intentional actions can make a world of difference. Here are 10 ways you can be a source of light and encouragement in our world. Together, we can overcome the darkness.

10 Ways to Spread Hope Today

Here are ten simple, fun ways to practice building hope and share it with others.

1. Share a Genuine Smile

It sounds almost too simple, but a genuine smile is the universal symbol of warmth and kindness. It’s a small gesture that has the power to instantly brighten someone’s day. We all deserve happiness and smiling is contagious. It only takes a little bit of intention but the power of a smile can create a ripple effect of positivity.

2. Encourage Someone

Look for opportunities to lift others up. If you see a friend, colleague, or even your child struggling with a difficult task, encourage them! Remind them of their strengths and let them know you believe in them. If you admire something someone has done, tell them! We all deserve recognition for our hard work.

3. Give a Specific Compliment

Although saying “good job” is a kind gesture, a specific and thoughtful compliment is a simple gesture that goes a long way. It shows you are paying attention. Saying something like, “I was so impressed with how you handled that difficult conversation,” or, “I love the colors you chose for your drawing,” can truly make a someone’s day and remind them how much they matter.

4. Create Hope-Filled Art

Art is a wonderful outlet for expressing and exploring emotions. Draw, paint, or create a collage of images and words that make you feel hopeful. Hang the finished artwork in your room, on your mirror, on in a common area like the kitchen or living room. This visual reminder can give a daily dose of inspiration to you and your loved ones.

5. Check Your “Hope Meter”

The best way to grow your hope, and keep from falling into hopelessness, is to measure your hope each day. I created the Hope Meter to help people identify how hopeful they feel. It includes ways to grow your hope and ideas for sharing hope with others.

This tool is a great for adults to check in with themselves and for parents to have meaningful conversations with their kids. You could even make a hope check in part of your morning routine. If someone’s meter is low, you can brainstorm ways to grow it together. If it’s high, talk about how to share hope with somebody else. It takes hope from an abstract idea to a tangible skill we can grow.

6. Build a Family Hope Box

A hope box is a physical collection of items that bring comfort or happiness as you look at them. In the book Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess-These Shoes Were Made for Dancing I call it an anchor box.

To make your own hope box, you’ll fill a shoebox or decorative container with things that make your family feel hopeful: photos from happy memories, encouraging notes, favorite small toys, or quotes that inspire you. When someone is having a tough day, they can open the box for an instant emotional lift.

When you purchase the Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Series you get a beautiful keepsake box that you can use to build your family’s hope box.

7. Help Someone Out

I can’t think of a better gift than showing kindness or offering a helping hand to someone else. This is truly one of the most effective ways to build hope. Helping others shifts our focus from our own problems and reminds us of our ability to make a positive impact on the world around us.

When we help someone else, we feel blessed and so does the person we are helping. You can volunteer as a family, help an elderly neighbor, or make a meal for someone going through difficult times. It’s amazing how big of a difference a little bit of support can make.

8. Do Hope-Building Activities

Download my free Hoping Skills Workbook for kids. It is packed with engaging activities designed for kids, parents, and educators. It is full of fun tools, ideas, and activities that you can do to help kids build a resilient mindset and stay hopeful when life feels hard.

 

9. Listen to Hopeful Stories

Stories have the power to inspire, pick us up when we feel down, and help us find direction when we aren’t sure where to go.

Don’t spend your day glued to the news. Instead, play podcasts, audiobooks, and playlists full of uplifting, encouraging tales. The Dorktales’ “Hopeful Heroes” playlist, for example, is filled with stories about hidden heroes who stayed optimistic and helped change the world. Listening to stories like these together with your kids can spark meaningful conversations about resilience and courage.

10. Read Stories That Inspire Hope

Books are powerful tools for teaching social-emotional skills. I recently released two books to help both kids and adults stay hopeful, even during hard times.

Hope In the Nick of Time, the third book in the In the Nick of Time series, brings the concept of “hoping skills” to life. Nick Saint is having a rough day. Nothing is going as planned. An unlikely teacher reminds him that we can find hope in any situation. While this is a holiday-themed book, its message of resilience and optimism is relevant all year long.

In the Meantime is a soul-filled survival guide for adults feeling burnt out and overwhelmed. It provides different ways we can all overcome despair and make our way back to the hope-filled lives we deserve to live.

Together, these books offer a roadmap to help families reconnect, reflect on what truly matters, and grow more hope and joy each day. Get your discounted book bundle today! 

Share Hope Today

Hope isn’t just a feeling. It’s a choice. A practice.

Which one of these hope-filled activities will you add to your day? Remember, when you spread hope and kindness, you are actively building a better, more positive world for yourself and those around you. We can overcome the darkness. With hope.

 

The post 10 Simple Ways To Spread Hope Today appeared first on Make A Way Media.

Updated September 2025. Originally published November 2020.

My family absolutely loves the holidays.

Christmas is a very special time for us. We go all out with addressing all the senses. Every single one. From the sights of the warm lights to the smells of the tree, the food, and all the cookies. Then there are the sounds of holiday music, hardy laughs, and the sharing of old stories. Warm hugs from old and new friends. Wrapping packages and tying bows. Making things pretty and spreading all the joy. Watching reruns of movies we’ve seen too many times and my favorite—reading our holiday book collection.

But finding diverse holiday picture books with Black characters (especially ones with brown young boys) was always challenging. Every year it seemed even harder to find a new diverse Christmas story we didn’t already own.

I remember grumbling to myself, ‘Why is it so difficult to find holiday children’s books with Black characters? My family loves Christmas too, why can’t we be represented in the books my kids read? Where are all the diverse holiday picture books?’

As the saying goes, ‘When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.’

That time just happened to also be the year I reread the famous quote from the late, great Toni Morrison, “If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

I decided that the next diverse holiday book that I would add to my family’s collection would be one that I wrote myself.

Why I Chose to Write Diverse Holiday Picture Books

As I was writing the story, it dawned on me that a classic holiday storyline involves characters helping Santa Claus save the day. I had not yet been able to find that story with a Black boy as the leading protagonist.

I then began to think about every single holiday movie we watch and all of the books we read. I want Nick (my son) to grow up in a world where he receives the same messages that other children do about his role in our community. He needs to see characters who look like him. I wanted a Christmas book that reinforced his ability to be competent, helpful, and successful.

My child, like every other child, deserves to be seen as the hero. My child deserves to know that he also is capable of helping Santa save the day. Santa can trust him and can call on him. He can be a leader in kindness. He can save the world.

But it is sometimes hard to be what you cannot see. Not impossible. Just hard. And from that realization, In The Nick of Time was born.

Celebrate Christmas With the In The Nick of Time Series

What started as a heartwarming story about a little Brown Boy helping Santa save the day has since turned into a 3-part series and a workbook. No matter what winter holidays you celebrate, this series full of positive messages and vibrant illustrations is sure to become a favorite for your little ones. (And big ones too! This truly is a series that resonates with all ages.)

Book 1: In The Nick of Time

In The Nick of Time is a timely tale about a little Brown Boy who saves Christmas. Nick Saint never gave much thought to his name until one snowy December day, he accidentally receives a letter meant for Saint Nick. Realizing there is not much time left until Christmas, Nick opens the letter. The unexpected message inside ultimately leads him on a journey of understanding poverty, gratitude, and service to others, while discovering the real meaning of the holiday spirit.

Book 2: In The Nick of Time Too

In this Christmas story, In The Nick of Time Too, Nick Saint and his best friend Cooper reunite. A surprise visit on Christmas Eve leads to a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the true meaning of the holiday spirit. The boys get to explore different Christmas traditions while learning that love, kindness, and the Christmas spirit come to us in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

Book 3: Hope In the Nick of Time

In the third book, Hope In the Nick of Time, Nick Saint is in New York City. But instead of the fun adventure he’d hoped for, he’s dealing with slushy shoes and spilled gelato. Frustrated and overwhelmed, Nick just wants to go home. Then, a surprise encounter reminds him of the power of hope. He learns about “hoping skills”—ways to see the good, even when things feel bad. With a little perspective and a lot of heart, Nick begins to see the city through new eyes. He finds that small acts of kindness add up to make a big difference. This beautiful story reminds readers that hope is all around us. In moments when we struggle to find it, it’s our turn to create it.

The In the Nick of Time Activity Book

Last but not least, the In the Nick of Time Activity Book is packed with supportive, uplifting messages and motivation-boosting activities. Watch kids unplug while they create, reflect, build emotional resilience, and develop a growth mindset. With every page, children learn fun and meaningful ways to weave more hope, kindness, and empathy into their everyday lives. It’s a meaningful gift, a therapeutic resource, and a time capsule of hope.

The Best Christmas Gift for Young Readers

The In The Nick of Time series is filled with powerful messages that all children need to hear. These diverse holiday picture books talk about big, important topics like poverty, the beauty of diversity, how to stay hopeful, and the power that each and every one of us has to save the day. We believe reading one of these books on Christmas Eve, and throughout the holiday season, would make Santa proud.

I know I am proud of the impact these sweet stories have already had on readers. But most of all, I am proud that I took action to remedy the lack of diverse holiday picture books for my own son Nick, who is now a teenager.

Why Diverse Children’s Books Are For All Families

There is true power in picture books. Books have the power to take us around the world, introducing us to different cultures and holiday traditions. Children’s books can spark wonder, curiosity, and empathy.

Books with Black characters are not just for Black children. All families need these books. These stories reflect the world we live in and reinforce the reality that we all have important roles to play in life. It is true that there are more diverse books now than ever, but still nowhere near enough.

How to Find the Perfect Christmas Story For Your Family

I’d love for you to spend time reading the entire In The Nick of Time series with your kids, friends, and family during the winter holidays. Use them to expand your own library, gift them to kids you know, give them to schools, daycares, churches, and community centers. The more we share stories of our beautifully diverse world, the more loving and accepting it will become.

But I’d also challenge you to take it a step further.

Each one of us has a valuable story to tell. Why not write your own story? Sit down with your kids and write a story that celebrates your favorite holiday traditions. Include characters that represent your family. You can read it aloud on Christmas Eve and save it to read again and again for years to come.

Now that’s a cool holiday story.

The post Calling Out the Lack of Diverse Holiday Picture Books (And What I Did About It) appeared first on Make A Way Media.

When we talk about raising kind, compassionate kids, one word comes up again and again: empathy. We all want to raise empathetic kids. The problem is, empathy doesn’t just appear. It’s something we teach. Something we have to learn.

One of the most powerful ways to teach empathy is through stories. When a child connects with a character who is different from them, but still feels like them… a seed is planted. That seed is empathy. Reading the right books and asking thought provoking questions is the key to teaching empathy through literature, at home and in the classroom.

What Is Empathy? (Really)

Empathy isn’t just feeling sorry for someone. It’s truly understanding what someone else might be feeling, even if you’ve never been through the same struggle. Empathy helps us imagine other people’s feelings and perspectives. It’s the ability to “put yourself in someone else’s shoes”. That skill, that perspective shift, is the foundation of kindness, compassion, and justice.

Empathy is essential for human connection. It helps us recognize the beauty of humanity and use that lens to guide our interactions. Empathy shows us that we are all more alike than we are different.

As parents or educators, we can cultivate empathy with kids every single day. First, we can build nurturing relationships where children feel seen, heard, and understood. We can also create opportunities for kids to practice empathy. That could be through reflective listening, acts of kindness, or even reading together and talking about the story. We want to help kids put their empathic skills to work, to truly learn to care deeply and respond compassionately to others.

Empathy Is Prevention

Teaching empathy isn’t just about helping your child be nice. It’s also a powerful preventative tool against bullying, violence, and isolation.

Empathetic kids are more likely to:

Speak up for othersMake inclusive choicesForm stronger relationshipsReach out instead of withdraw

When children feel understood—and learn how to understand others—they’re better equipped to cope with life’s big emotions. Empathy makes us better people and helps us build a better world.

Planting the Seed of Empathy Through Stories

We have to teach kids empathy. It’s not optional. We should use real life experiences and materials like books and stories for teaching empathy as much as possible. When people read about someone else’s perspective, they begin to understand what it might feel like to be that person. They learn to feel with instead of just feel for—and that difference is everything.

Books let kids:

See themselvesSee othersStep into someone else’s experience

Kids feel empathy when they connect with someone else—whether that is a real person or fictional characters. Every book, from a non-fiction, real-life narrative to fiction, or even a short story, literature is an easy first step into someone else’s world. Books have the power to challenge our beliefs and ideas without us even realizing it.

To build a library that builds empathy, choose books that:

Feature a variety of races, cultures, and family typesInclude characters with different abilities, economic backgrounds, or emotionsShow kindness in action—not just in theory

For great books that model empathy, check out the Make A Way Media collection and these other great book recommendations full of empathy.

After the Story: Questions That Build Empathy

To effectively use reading as a tool for building empathy, you have to take the story off the pages. You can’t just read and then sit it back on the shelf. Take the time to talk about the story and figure out how to really apply it to life.

Use these questions after reading a book with your child to plant seeds of empathy, self-awareness, and emotional growth. They will work for almost any story—especially ones with emotional moments, diverse characters, or moral choices.

Want a beautiful, printable copy of the questions to hang in your classroom or next to your bookshelf? It’s waiting for you in our printable shop!

FEELING WHAT OTHERS FEEL

These questions will help kids tune into the emotions they saw playing out in the lives of the characters. When they are able to recognize emotions, in real life and in stories, they are better able to respond to them.

How do you think the main character felt at the beginning?
Did their feelings change by the end? What caused that change?

SEEING YOURSELF IN THE STORY

These questions will help kids put themselves in someone else’s shoes. These perspective taking questions help kids imagine what it might feel like to live the main character’s life or experience the emotions someone in the story felt.

Have you ever felt like the character did? When?
Would you have made the same choices they made? Why or why not?

TAKING ACTION

A key piece of empathy is letting it guide our actions. We aren’t just observing how someone else feels, we are using that perspective to motivate us to act.

What would you say to the character if you were their friend?
If that happened to someone in your class or family, what would you do?

LEARNING FROM THE STORY

This is where we identify what we can truly take away from the story and use in our daily lives.

What do you think this story wants us to learn?
Did anything in this book surprise you or make you think differently about something?

What does kindness look like in this story?
Is there something we can do today that shows what we learned from this book?

To foster even deeper conversations, let your child or students ask you some of the same questions!
Kids grow even more when they hear how adults think through feelings and choices, too.

A Story That Shows the Power of Empathy

This fall, Hope In the Nick of Time will show readers everywhere the power of empathy and hoping skills. A young boy named Nick learns that hope is something we grow and it grows even faster when we help others.

He is having one of those days where everything feels like its going wrong. While traveling in New York City, he’s dealing with problems left and right. An unexpected encounter reminds him that small acts of kindness can change everything.

Preorder your copy today to get a beautiful story that sparks hope, empathy, and great conversations with kids of all ages.

The truth is, its never too late to learn, or to teach, empathy. You can start today—with one story, one question, and one quiet moment that says: “I see you.” That’s how empathy grows, with one small seed. One small moment. One small step toward into someone else’s world.

The post The Key to Teaching Empathy Through Literature appeared first on Make A Way Media.

Why Black Santa Books Belong in Every Holiday Story Collection

Close your eyes and picture Santa Claus.

Chances are, the image in your mind is of a jolly, white-bearded man with rosy cheeks and pale skin. That image has been repeated so often, in so many places, that many people see it as the only version of Santa that feels “real.”

But here’s the reality that most of us have forgotten: Santa is an idea. A symbol. (Did you know that the image we are used to seeing was made popular by Coca-Cola?)

Santa is a story passed down through generations. The great thing about stories is that they are meant to evolve. Santa doesn’t have to look one specific way. Picture books with a Black Santa Claus belong in every holiday story collection. They remind us all that Christmas and the Christmas spirit don’t have to fit into a certain one-size-fits-all mold.

Representation During the Holiday Season Is Not a Trend—It’s a Necessity

Holiday books and movies play a huge role in how children experience the Christmas season. The flashing lights of department store windows, the excitement of a Christmas fair, or singing holiday songs with family and friends, it’s all full of fun, wonder, tradition, and holiday magic. But when a child never sees someone who looks like them included in that magic, the unspoken message is: “This isn’t for you.”

That’s the kind of message that seeps into identity, self-worth, and even dreams.

Black Santa isn’t about replacing anyone. It’s about expanding the magic. Making room for all children to feel seen, celebrated, and welcomed in the most joyful time of year.

The Magic of Christmas and Black Santa

For many families, the magic of Christmas is made even more special by the presence of Black Santa Claus. When a child sees Santa with brown skin, in a children’s book, at a shopping mall, or even on TV, it tells them:
“You belong here.”
“You are part of the story.”
“Your family matters, your traditions matter, and your joy matters.”

I started the In the Nick of Time series years ago because I couldn’t find any stories that featured one of my favorite holiday storylines: a Black child who gets to help Santa save the day. I wanted my kids to have a new classic to read on Christmas Eve—one that made them feel seen and included.

Children’s books featuring Black Santa Claus and diverse holiday traditions open up a beautiful world where every child can see themselves as part of the Christmas story. Instead of limiting the holiday season, Black Santa is one of many ways to honor all families and all family traditions during the holidays.

Why Children’s Books With a Black Santa Claus Are For All Families

Black Santa books aren’t just for Black families. They are for every family. Picture books with Black Santa promote:

InclusionEmpathyA broader, more accurate world view

When non-Black children read stories featuring a Black Santa, it helps expand their world view. It nurtures curiosity and reminds them that the world is beautifully diverse. Christmas magic, love, and generosity come in every size, shape, and color.

When children of all backgrounds see Santa in different skin tones, robes, languages, and cultures, it gently teaches them one of the most powerful lessons of all: Diversity is not a threat. It’s a gift.

How to Add Picture Books With Black Santa To Your Bookshelf

It may not be the holiday season quite yet but its never too early to start embracing the Christmas spirit. My newest book, Hope In The Nick of Time, is a beautifully illustrated holiday story that you can read all year long.

This is the third book in the Nick of Time Series. In this tale, Nick Saint is navigating the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holiday season. Unfortunately, his day is not going as planned. From slushy streets to spilled gelato, it feels like nothing is going right.

A surprise encounter shifts Nick’s perspective as he learns about “hoping skills”—practical ways to find the good, even when life feels overwhelming. Through fresh eyes, Nick discovers that small mindset shifts can create something truly magical.

This powerful story isn’t just for kids. It speaks to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It encourages us to look for hope in unlikely places and reminds us that sometimes, especially when hope feels lost, it’s our chance to create it.

With its timely themes and universal appeal, Hope In The Nick of Time is the perfect gift for all the kids in your life. Reading this book together is one of the best ways to keep the holiday hope and joy alive all year long. Preorder Hope In The Nick of Time today to be among the first to enjoy this empowering story.

Embrace the Full Magic of the Christmas Spirit

Reading picture books with diverse family traditions and joyous celebrations that may look nothing like your own is the perfect way to expand your child’s worldview and show them even more of the magical world we live in. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you can celebrate diversity, hope, and love by:

Making diverse books part of your reading rotation.
The more often kids see windows into other cultures, ways of life, the more they will recognize that life doesn’t have to look a certain way to be “right”.

Not sure how to find truly diverse books? This list will help.

Talking about traditions and holidays around the world.
Expose your children to the beautiful, diverse world we live in as early as possible. Celebrate cultural curiosity.

Seeking out books that feature Black Santas and diverse traditions.
Did you know that even just checking out diverse books at the library helps keep them in circulation? Help diverse holiday stories become just as common as any other. Let’s make December the most wonderful time of year for all of us. Holiday magic isn’t about one face. It’s about every child feeling like the magic includes them.

There’s no better time to open up your child’s world—one story at a time. Preorder your copy of Hope In the Nick of Time today so that your whole family can experience a little extra hope, joy and holiday magic.

The post Why Black Santa Books Belong in Every Holiday Story Collection appeared first on Make A Way Media.

We’ve all heard the phrase “Don’t get your hopes up.”

It’s often said with good intentions—as a way to protect ourselves from disappointment. But here’s the thing we often miss: Hope is not a weakness. Hope is a skill. And in today’s world, it’s one of the most powerful coping tools we can teach our children.

The Importance of Hope For Mental Health

Mental health is the foundation of a happy, balanced life. Just as we care for our bodies, we have to nurture our minds and emotions.

When we face challenges, having effective coping mechanisms and knowing how to find hope in hard times can make all the difference. Unhealthy coping mechanisms can often make us feel worse instead of better. Knowing how to help our brains and bodies processes stress and emotions empowers us. We are able to develop more effective coping strategies that help us grow.

No matter how old you are or what you are going through, prioritizing mental health is essential. Taking care of your mental health is not just important. It’s vital for living a fulfilling, healthy life.

Understanding Coping Mechanisms

Coping mechanisms are the strategies we use to handle stress, anxiety, and life’s inevitable challenges. There are many different coping styles. Some people use problem-focused coping, tackling issues head-on with practical solutions. Others rely on emotion-focused coping, like finding ways to soothe and regulate their feelings. Social coping, which involves reaching out for social support from friends, family, or a mental health professional, is another powerful approach.

Coping mechanisms are personal—what works for one person may not work for another. By exploring different coping strategies and understanding your own needs, you can find the right tools to help you manage stress, nurture healthy relationships, and maintain a positive perspective on life.

What Are Hoping Skills?

Hoping Skills™ are just as important as coping skills. These intentional habits help us stay anchored in possibility—even in difficult times. Just like we teach kids how to tie their shoes, ride a bike, or count to ten when they’re upset, we can also teach them to practice hope.

Coping skills help us when we are already experiencing difficult emotions. Hoping skills remind us that our current situation is temporary and that things can and will get better. Hope isn’t just a feeling you have or don’t have. It’s something you do. It’s a skill you can grow.

Hoping Skills include:

Looking for the good (even when it’s hard to find)Setting small goals that lead to big changeAsking for help without shameRemembering past victoriesPracticing kindness (for yourself and others)Reframing failure as progressBelieving that better is possible—even if you can’t see it yetEngaging in hopeful thinking and focusing on positive outcomes

These skills and coping mechanisms don’t erase pain. They equip people to manage stress and move through it with resilience.

Why Hope Is Essential for Emotional Well Being

As a mental health professional, I’ve seen firsthand how hopelessness creeps into our hearts and minds. In a world that feels heavy and uncertain, hope can feel out of reach. We have to teach kids (and adults) the tools they need to process hard emotions. Coping strategies and hoping skills help us see the present moment for what it is as recognize that challenging situations aren’t forever.

Hoping skills can be a part of our daily routines. With practice, we learn to shift our perspective and to see hope in hard situations. Even a small spark of hope can shift everything. Hope gives kids something to move toward, something to hold onto. Hope gives us something to believe in when the world feels too big, too loud, or too broken.

That’s why hoping skills are not just feel-good fluff.
They are mental health essentials.

Using Hope to Manage Stress and Anxiety

Simple techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and body. Physical activity, whether it’s a walk around the block or a favorite sport, can also help manage stress and boost your mood.

Combining those physical actions with the power of hope, helps shift the attention away from your worries toward what could be. You could use mindfulness to notice what is good around you. You could also use the power of visualization to imagine how it will feel when you’ve overcome your current problem or obstacle. These small shifts help us find calm in the midst of chaos. Glimmers of hope can provide comfort and reassurance when you need it most.

How to Teach Kids Hoping Skills

Here are a few simple ways to integrate hope and resilience into your family’s daily life:

Start a “Hope Journal” – Write down one good thing each day, no matter how small.
Use the Hope Meter™ – Ask your child to rate their hope level and discuss ways to refill it.
Set a “Hope Goal” – Choose something to look forward to each week. If it is something they will need to work toward to make happen, help them break the bigger goal into steps.
Model Hope Out Loud – Let your child hear you say things like “Today was hard, but I know it won’t always be this way. I believe that tomorrow will be better.”
Read and talk about characters who choose hope – After reading the story, ask: “What helped them keep going?” or “When did they start to feel hopeless? What changed their perspective?”

Add Hoping Skills to Your Bookshelf This Fall

Hope In the Nick of Time, the third book in the In the Nick of Time series will be out on September 30th! This time, Nick Saint is on a trip through New York City. Unfortunately, nothing seems to be going his way. He learns how to find hope in the face of disappointment and frustration. Through this warm, empowering story, kids will see hoping skills in action, woven through a magical holiday adventure filled with heart.

The future belongs to children who know how to hope. Let’s make sure they have the tools. Preorder your copy of Hope In the Nick of Time today.

The post Why Hoping Skills Are the Coping Skills of the Future appeared first on Make A Way Media.

Life is full of big emotions. It’s normal for kids to experience a big range of feelings, including anger and pain. Here are ten simple, effective coping skills that children can use in any situation to feel calmer, more confident, and in control of their feelings.

Why Should We Teach Kids Healthy Coping Skills?

Learning how to cope with stress and difficult emotions is a helpful tool for life. Parents, families, and educators play a key role in modeling and supporting healthy coping skills. We are the blueprints that teach kids how to manage their emotions.

Problems, obstacles, and setbacks are part of life. Healthy coping means using positive, effective strategies to handle life’s challenges. Coping skills are important tools to help both kids and adults manage stress, process uncomfortable emotions, and bounce back from tough moments.

When we teach coping skills to children and teens, we’re giving them helpful tools for life. We are teaching them important skills that will support their mental health and build confidence. When kids learn to recognize their feelings, they can choose healthy coping strategies to navigate the situation instead of running or hiding from their emotions. These skills aren’t just for tough times—they’re important for everyday life.

By learning and practicing different coping skills, children (and adults) can manage emotions, reduce stress, and feel more in control, no matter what comes their way.

10 Coping Skills For Kids

These coping strategies are simple, easy ways for kids to manage stress in healthy ways. They only take a few minutes to do and will help your kids start to feel better fast when they are overwhelmed.

1. Take a Belly Breath

Slowly inhale through your nose… hold… exhale through your mouth. Do this 3–5 times to help your body feel safe and calm. Deep breathing is one of several techniques that can help children calm their bodies and minds.

2. Draw or Color What You Feel

Sometimes feelings are hard to name but art can help us get them out. This is one of my favorite coping skills for younger children. Even if they don’t have the words to express how they feel, they can show how they feel on paper.

3. Squeeze Something Soft

Try a stuffed animal or pillow. Physical movement can release built-up energy and tension. Squeezing something soft helps calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

4. Read a Comforting Story

Find a book where a character goes through a tough moment and comes out stronger. Reading about how the character copes models ways to handle difficult situations. Let their strength remind you of yours.

If you need recommendations, all of the Make A Way Media children’s books show strong, diverse characters overcoming obstacles and learning something new along the way.

Learning to have empathy for ourselves and others is another great way to cope with hard or confusing situations. These books about empathy definitely deserve a spot on your bookshelf.

5. Say Something Kind to Yourself

Try: ✨ “I can get through this.” ✨ “I am still learning.” ✨ “My feelings are okay.”

Positive self-talk, like saying these phrases, can help lift mood and support children who may be feeling sadness or depression.

6. Take a Break & Move Your Body

Go for a walk, jump around, stretch, or dance it out. Exercise, such as walking, stretching, or dancing, is a powerful way to manage stress and reset the mind. Movement resets the brain.

7. Do a Quiet Activity You Love

Puzzles, Legos, drawing, reading, or even organizing can help ease anxious thoughts. When we have to focus on something else, it takes our mind of off of the strong emotions in our minds.

8. Talk to a Trusted Grown-Up

Tell someone how you’re feeling. You don’t have to go through anything alone. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust is a healthy way to cope with stress.

9. Listen to Music That Matches Your Mood

Let music help you feel what you feel—and then gently shift it when you’re ready. Listening to music and paying attention to what you hear can help you relax and shift your mood.

10. Use the Hope Meter™

Check in: Is your Hope Meter low, halfway, or full?
What could help fill it up today?

If you’re having a hard time, checking in with the Hope Meter can be especially helpful to understand your feelings and what support you might need.

✨ BONUS IDEAS:

Make a “Coping Skills Box” with your child! Fill it with favorite tools, a book, a stress ball, affirmations, crayons, and a mini Hope Meter chart. Let it live somewhere accessible for easy emotional check-ins.

Sign up for the K Club! You’ll get free resources each month to help your kids build their coping skills and practice dealing with life’s challenges in healthy ways.

Ways to Build Your Child’s Coping Skills

Building strong coping skills is a journey that takes practice, patience, and a little creativity. The first step is to try out different coping skills—like deep breathing, positive self talk, or mindfulness—to see what feels most helpful for you or your child.

All of the strategies listed above help us focus on the present moment, instead of worrying about the past or future. That is a powerful coping strategy in itself but it takes time to master.

Instead of waiting for moments when you need coping skills, create opportunities to add coping skills to everyday life. Try doing mindfulness exercises together, such as gentle breathing, meditation, or yoga. This can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to manage emotions and handle stress. Spending time in nature, moving your body, or doing something you love can also help reduce stress and boost your mood.

Plan Ahead

Another helpful tool is to create a coping plan. This is a simple list or chart of your child’s favorite coping skills and strategies that they can use when big feelings or stressful situations come up. Having a coping plan ready helps kids (and adults) feel more prepared and confident when they need support. When our brains are flooded with big emotions, we can’t make logical decisions. Having a list of strategies to choose from helps bring us back.

Remember, everyone is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Encourage your child to experiment with different coping skills and notice which ones help them feel better. By practicing coping skills regularly, kids can build confidence, learn to manage emotions, and develop healthy ways to cope with whatever life brings.

If you want more great coping skills for kids, be sure to join the K Club. It’s full of free resources that parents and educators can use to connect with kids and practice the important social emotional skills all kids need to thrive.

The post 10 Important Coping Skills To Teach Kids appeared first on Make A Way Media.