As we venture through daily life, each person carries with them an invisible bucket. When our bucket is full, we feel happy, confident, secure, calm and more content. On the other hand, if we are carrying an empty bucket, we are more likely to feel upset, down, dissatisfied and unhappy.
A ‘bucket filler’ is a person who behaves in a way that helps to top up another person’s bucket. They understand the impact of their choices on the way others may be feeling by showing kindness, empathy and compassion. Emotional intelligence, social skills and self-regulation are key parts of this equation. In our weekly assemblies, we have spoken regularly about respecting others and respecting our teachers.
When this concept is understood, it is easier to help children reflect on their words and actions and recognise how they are contributing to other people’s mental health and wellbeing.
How do you fill a bucket?
You can fill someone else’s bucket by acting in a way that is thoughtful, supportive and helpful. Here are some simple ways to make this happen:
- Give them a hug
- Share something with them
- Pay them a compliment
- Let them overhear you saying something kind about them
- Practise gratitude with them
- Use your manners
- Say hello
- Create ways to include them
- Think of something kind you can do for someone
- Bake or make something for them
- Write a thank you note
- Tell someone you are proud of them, with a specific reason why
- Leave kind messages for them
- Just listen when someone needs you
- Express your love for those who are close to you
- Share a smile
- Do something fun together
It’s important to fill the buckets of those around you when they need it!
Don’t be a bucket dipper!
Listen to this audiobook and consider spending some time this week watching this with your child/children and become a ‘Bucket Filling Family’.
Steve Wilson
Head of Carey Donvale
