Life happens every day, so let’s try to ask RU OK? any ordinary day

Hi friends, it’s me, Healthy Harold!

I want to share a story about two best friends, Sophia and Hakim, who learned how powerful it can be to look out for and check in on each other.

Sophia was usually full of energy. She loved playing soccer and laughing with her friends. But this week, things were a little different. She sat quietly at lunchtime, her head down, poking at her sandwich instead of chatting and playing. Hakim noticed. He thought to himself, “That’s not like Sophia. I wonder if something’s wrong?”

At first, Hakim wasn’t sure what to do. Should he say something? Should he stay quiet? Then he remembered something he’d heard in class, that it’s always kind to check in with a friend. So Hakim sat down beside Sophia and gently asked, “Hey Sophia, R U OK?”

Sophia sighed.

“I’m just really stressed,” she admitted. “We have our class speeches due tomorrow and I’m really nervous about it. Dad and I worked really hard on the speech and I just want to do it well.”

Hakim listened carefully. He didn’t try to fix the problem straightaway or tell her she was wrong or silly for feeling that way. Instead, he said, “I understand you’re feeling nervous and worried, Sophia. That must be tough. I’m feeling a bit nervous too, but I think you’re amazing and I know you’re going to smash your speech.”

It made Sophia smile, knowing that Hakim believed in her. Talking to him helped her feel less nervous. She realised she wasn’t alone.

“I’m so happy you’re my best friend, Hakim!” Sophia said

Hakim responded with a smile and said, “I’m glad you’re my best friend too.”

Friends, here’s the important part: sometimes people won’t want to talk right away, and that’s okay too. If that happens, you can respect their space by saying, “That’s all right. I’m here if you want to chat later.”

Giving someone time shows you care and understand their personal boundaries.

And if you’re the one feeling upset, remember that you don’t have to keep it inside. You can talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, grandparent, big brother or sister, neighbour or school counsellor*. Sharing your feelings doesn’t make you weak; it actually makes you stronger. Just like our bodies need exercise to stay healthy, our minds need care and support too.

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Sophia decided to talk with her teacher after lunch. Her teacher reminded her that everyone has strengths, and feeling nervous was actually a good thing, because it meant that she really cared about doing a good speech after all the work she and her dad had put into planning it.

Sophia went home and talked with her parents. They encouraged her to have a few practices, and they would be her audience. After a few read-read-throughs, Sophia felt much better and less nervous.

The next day, Sophia was ready to give her speech. She found Hakim before the bell rang and thanked him for being the kind of friend who noticed and cared. Hakim realised that asking a simple question – R U OK? – had made a big difference.

So, my friends, here’s what I want you to remember:

• Look out for each other every day.
• Ask, R U OK? if you notice someone might be feeling down.
• Listen with kindness.
• Respect their wishes and boundaries.
• And if you or your friend needs more help, talk to a trusted adult.

Together, we can build a world full of kindness, courage and care. So today, check in on a friend. You never know how much your words might mean.

Continue being kind to each other and keep checking-in.

Your friend,

Healthy Harold

Thursday 11 September is R U OK? Day but we know that whether it’s a friend or family member, the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.
Access the Life Ed and RU OK? interactive journey and classroom resources at ruok.org.au/education#PRIMARYSCHOOLRESOURCES

POLL

GLOSSARY

• stressed: feeling very anxious or worried because of a frightening thing or because of pressure from things like school or work or the demands of other people.
• nervous: being fearful or anxious in a specific situation.
• boundaries: something that marks the edge or limit.
• trusted: a belief in the strength or truth of a person.
• school counsellor: a professional person who listens and gives advice
• courage: the ability to face fear or danger; bravery

QUICK QUIZ

1. How did Hakim notice that Sophia may not be feeling happy and OK?
2. What event was making Sophia feel stressed, why?
3. Who are some trusted adults that Sophia could talk to when she is feeling stressed or worried?
4. What two things did Sophia do to try and ease her nerves and prepare herself for her speech?
5. Why is it important to check in on our friends and ask R U OK? any day?