Today, on September 11, we mark R U OK? Day, a reminder of the importance of checking in with those around us. REAIE acknowledges that working with children and their families can be challenging, and it’s crucial to reach out and ask, “R U OK?”
This year’s theme is simple yet powerful: Ask R U OK?
Over the course of our lives, we may encounter moments of loneliness, mental health struggles, or sadness, either in ourselves or in others. No one should face these challenges alone. At REAIE, we believe every child is a citizen from the moment they are born—with rights, values, and a voice to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Children possess an extraordinary ability to show care, empathy, and love through gestures, words, and even simple acts like mark-making. Let’s celebrate these beautiful qualities in our youngest citizens, encouraging them to spread kindness and connection in their communities.
The R U OK? movement is driven by a simple but essential mission: to inspire people to meaningfully connect with those around them and support anyone who may be struggling with life. By encouraging everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” and truly listen, we can help people feel connected before they reach a crisis point. This responsibility is not just for adults—children too should be encouraged to ask the same question of their friends, families, and everyone they meet.
As Loris Malaguzzi once declared, “Nothing without joy.” While his words were about the relationship between teaching and learning, they resonate deeply with the ethos of mental health and support. Educators often bear the weight of not only their own challenges but also those of their colleagues and students. A supportive network can make all the difference, boosting both mental well-being and job satisfaction for everyone involved.
REAIE encourages you to ask, “R U OK?”—because your genuine interest and support can have a lasting, positive impact. None of us are immune to life’s challenges, and we all need the support of others at times. Sometimes, it won’t be obvious that someone is struggling, but by reaching out early and sincerely, we can help others feel heard and supported long before they reach a crisis point.
As part of their ongoing efforts, children from Wee Care Kindergarten visit the local park each year on R U OK? Day to ask passersby, “Are you OK today?” and hand out small gifts—a biscuit and a teabag—to brighten someone’s day.
Here are some heartwarming images of last year’s event, showing the children in action, asking “R U OK today?” and spreading joy and kindness.
A simple & meaningful reminder:
“Piglet?”, says Pooh.
“Yes Pooh?” said Piglet.
“Do you ever have days when everything feels… Not Very Okay At All? And sometimes you
don’t even know why you feel Not Very Okay At All, you just know that you do.”
Piglet nodded his head sagely. “Oh yes,” said Piglet. “I definitely have those days.”
“Really?” said Pooh in surprise. “I would never have thought that. You always seem so happy
and like you have got everything in life all sorted out.”
“Ah,” said Piglet. “Well here’s the thing. There are two things that you need to know, Pooh. The
first thing is that even those pigs, and bears, and people, who seem to have got everything in
life all sorted out… they probably haven’t. Actually, everyone has days when they feel Not Very
Okay At All. Some people are just better at hiding it than others.
“And the second thing you need to know… is that it’s okay to feel Not Very Okay At All. It can be
quite normal, in fact. And all you need to do, on those days when you feel Not Very Okay At All,
is come and find me, and tell me. Don’t ever feel like you have to hide the fact you’re feeling
Not Very Okay At All. Always come and tell me. Because I will always be there.”
