Teacher shared a simple post about needing a mental health break — then her 9-year-old neighbor sent a message that brought her to tears
As sassy as kids can be, they also have their way of expressing love and care. And sometimes, their quiet wisdom and empathy can leave adults surprised. A special education teacher, Rachel Glickler (@rachelglickler), was feeling overwhelmed and posted about it on Facebook. She mentioned that she needed a mental health day. Sharing on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, she revealed that her nine-year-old neighbor responded to her post with words that left her in tears.
Glickler was not feeling too good and posted on Facebook, requesting a mental health day. However, soon after she sent it, the special education teacher received an unexpected text from her nine-year-old neighbor. They mentioned that their dad came across her post and mentioned it to them. In return, they wanted to share some words of comfort with her. In a long message, they first inquired if she was doing alright and hoped that she would feel better soon. The 9-year-old then assured her by adding, "You're a hardworking and great person." They continued, "You're a loving mom, you're everything you wanted to be. Always be okay with whoever you are." In their simple words, the youngster tried to assure the woman that she was enough.
As a concerned and kind neighbor, they also asked if they should come over and make something. Glickler, who was going through a rough patch mentally, was touched by the text. "This child is going to make me cry," she wrote. The kid may have learned from their father that the teacher was not doing well. But instead of letting it slide, they wanted to take a step forward and ensure their neighbor was okay. The 9-year-old knew they wouldn't be able to process what she might have been enduring, but they wanted to give her the courage to fight it and come back stronger. The wise and comforting words not only surprised the teacher but also left her feeling relieved. Kids can be more empathetic than adults could ever imagine. And they find the sweetest ways to show it. In a similar instance, a dad shared how his 3-year-old son came through for him when he could no longer hide his depression.
The man had been battling heavy mental health issues and had been undergoing therapy, too. However, one particular day, he couldn't find the strength to hide it from his son and broke down in tears. The tiny tot went up to him and gently asked why he was crying. When the man replied, "I don't know," and continued sobbing, the boy had a heart-melting reply. "He gave me as big a hug as his little arms could and said, ‘It's okay, daddy,’” the father recalled. That simple assurance made everything feel better. Just being seen, heard, and held, even by a 3-year-old who couldn't understand the emotional weight, worked like magic for the dad. He remarked, “I grabbed him and gave him the biggest squeeze. He said, 'You better now?’ and I said, ‘I'm better now.’”
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