Helping Others

A Tale of Friendship and Solidarity 🌟 | The Great Bike Race 🚲

The following story is considered appropriate for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 10.</p>

In the small Enchanted Village, where the days were sunny and the nights sparkled with fireflies, the children discovered some worrying news: the Gomez family, much loved in the town, was going through financial difficulties. Sofia, an energetic girl with a passion for bicycles, had a great idea.

 

“What if we organize a bicycle race to raise funds and help the Gomez family?” Sofia suggested to her friends.

Tomás, always creative, was excited.
“I can make the posters and signs!”

Carla, an expert in mechanics, nodded.
“I will repair the old bicycles so that everyone can participate.”

Lucas, a shy but very supportive boy, added:
“I can sell lemonade during the race to raise more funds.”

Soon, the whole town was involved in the preparations. Tomas designed colorful posters with pictures of bicycles and balloons, while Carla worked in her small workshop repairing wheels and adjusting brakes. Lucas set up a lemonade stand decorated with flowers, and Sofia went around the town encouraging everyone to participate.

The big day arrived. The children gathered in the main square, where the race course had been laid out. The bikes glistened in the sun, and the atmosphere was full of excitement. Adults and children lined up to cheer. Before the start, Sofia raised her voice:
—Today is not about who wins. It is about that together we can make a difference.

The race began with laughter and enthusiasm. Each child had his or her own unique style: Tomas was fast but clumsy in the turns, Carla moved forward with precision, and Sofia pedaled with energy, encouraging the others. Lucas, who did not feel ready to compete, decided to follow the event from his lemonade stand, cheering on the runners with a big smile.

In the middle of the race, a tire on Tomas’s bike got a flat. He tried to fix it, but he couldn’t do it alone. Sofia stopped when she saw him.
«Don’t worry, I’ll help you!» she exclaimed.

Soon, Carla stopped to help too. The three of them, working together, managed to repair the wheel. Although they lost time, they rejoined the race with more spirit than ever.

When they reached the finish line, applause resounded throughout the town. No one talked about who won or lost; everyone celebrated the effort and unity. When they added up the funds raised, they realized that they had exceeded their expectations. The Gomez family, excited, thanked them with tears in their eyes.

«We don’t know how to thank you. Your generosity means everything to us.»

That night, the Enchanted Village shone brighter than ever. The children, exhausted but happy, reflected on what they had achieved.

«The real victory was working together to help someone else,» said Sofia.

Since then, the bike race became an annual tradition in the village, reminding everyone that solidarity and perseverance are the wheels that move hearts.

The Owl Who Learned to Say No 🦉 | Children’s Story about Self-Care and Limits 🌳

In the heart of an enchanted forest lived Oscar, an owl much loved by all the animals. His kindness and wisdom made him the ideal friend, always ready to help anyone in need. If Lily the squirrel needed to collect nuts, Oscar was there. If Thomas the fox had problems with his burrow, Oscar helped him solve them. At any time, in rain or shine, the friendly owl was ready to lend a hand.

 

However, over time, Oscar began to feel tired. His feathers did not shine as they used to, and his eyes reflected an exhaustion that grew day by day. Every time he tried to rest, someone came with a new request. Although his heart wanted to help, his body asked for a break.

One day, while he was resting on a branch after a night of helping everyone, Marga, the old tortoise of the forest, approached him.

“Dear Oscar, you seem very tired,” she said to him in a soft and wise voice.

Oscar sighed, relieved to be able to share his concern.

“It’s true, Marga. All my friends need something, and I feel bad if I say no to them. But lately, I don’t have time for myself, and every day I feel more exhausted.”

Marga smiled tenderly.

“Helping others is admirable, Oscar, but sometimes we forget that we must also take care of ourselves. If we don’t, our shine fades and we can’t give our best. Saying “no” is sometimes necessary.”

Oscar listened attentively. He hadn’t thought that taking care of himself was just as important as helping others. He appreciated Marga’s advice, although it was hard for him to imagine saying “no.”

That same afternoon, Lily the squirrel came running towards him.

“Oscar, I need help collecting nuts!” she exclaimed excitedly.

Oscar took a deep breath and, with a kind smile, replied:

“I can’t today, Lily.” I’m resting to regain my strength. But if you want, I can help you tomorrow.

Lily nodded in surprise. Although she didn’t understand it at first, over time she saw that Oscar looked happier and more energetic. Little by little, everyone in the forest noticed the change in the owl, who now chose when and how to help.

A few days later, it was Thomas the fox who came to ask for help. Oscar, remembering Marga’s words, smiled and said:

—Tom, I can’t help you this time. But maybe you can figure it out yourself. I know you’re clever.

Tom felt a little disappointed, but when he tried, he discovered that he had more skills than he thought. Oscar had found the balance: he helped when he could and, at the same time, he took time to rest and enjoy his own moments.

In the end, the animals in the forest understood and respected Oscar’s new limits. They celebrated his courage in learning to say «no» and take care of himself. Everyone recognized that a happy and healthy friend was much more valuable.

So, Oscar went back to being the cheerful and kind owl he always was, teaching his friends the importance of self-care and boundaries. From then on, every time one of his friends needed help, they made sure to ask if it was available, respecting their well-being.

And Oscar lived happily, always remembering Marga’s words: “Sometimes, saying ‘no’ is the best way to take care of our health and help our friends discover their own abilities.”