Welcome to the bright and wonderful world of Sunny the Panda™!
KindnessUpdated

Teaching Kids to Comfort a Friend

Quick Answer

Kids can learn to comfort others with three simple steps: notice ("She's crying"), ask ("Are you okay?"), and help (get a grown-up, offer a hug if wanted, or sit nearby). Practice with stuffed animals so your child knows what to say when a real friend is sad.

What it looks like by age

  1. 4

    Age 4

    Brings a toy or blanket to someone crying; may need help knowing what to do.

  2. 5–6

    Age 5–6

    Can ask "Are you okay?" and offer help or get an adult.

  3. 7–8

    Age 7–8

    Can listen, say comforting words, and ask what the friend needs.

Why it happens

Many children feel unsure or uncomfortable when someone is upset. Having a simple plan helps them act with kindness instead of freezing or laughing nervously.

What to say

  • "Your friend looks sad. What could you do?"

  • "You can ask, 'Are you okay? Do you want a hug?'"

  • "If someone is hurt, get a grown-up right away."

  • "Sitting with her was a kind thing to do."

Instead of… try…

Tap a card to flip it.

Try it together

At home

10 min

Teddy Needs a Friend

In the classroom

15 min

Comfort Toolkit

☀️ Sunny's Shine Challenge

Practice notice, ask, help with a stuffed animal at home this week.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What should kids say to a sad friend?

Simple words work: "Are you okay?" "Do you want to sit with me?" "I'm sorry that happened."

Should kids hug a friend who is upset?

Teach them to ask first: "Do you want a hug?"

Sunny says

Sunny the Panda listening kindly
“When Daisy feels sad, I sit next to her. Sometimes that's all a friend needs.”

Written by Audrey Bell-Kearney

Related skills

See all Kindness skills →