When a child looks up to someone, it doesn’t always have to be a superhero, a famous athlete, or a movie character.
When a child looks up to someone, it doesn’t always have to be a superhero, a famous athlete, or a movie character.
Sometimes, the person who makes the biggest difference in a child’s day is someone most people barely notice.
A school custodian.
Across schools, custodians and other support staff do far more than clean hallways, repair desks, and keep classrooms in working order. They are familiar faces in children’s daily routines, and their kindness can help create a welcoming school environment.
Education professionals have increasingly recognized how important these employees are to school culture. Their work helps schools remain safe, organized, and comfortable places for students to learn.
But there is another part of their contribution that deserves attention.
A friendly greeting in the hallway, remembering a student’s name, or taking a moment to listen can make a child feel seen and respected.
For children who struggle to make friends or feel comfortable in a new school, these small interactions can matter.
Imagine a young student choosing a Halloween costume inspired by the school custodian he admires.
While other children might choose superheroes or movie characters, this child sees something special in the person who spends his days helping others.
Some classmates might not understand the choice. They might laugh or make unkind comments.
But the real lesson isn’t about the costume.
It’s about teaching children that every honest profession deserves respect, regardless of someone’s job title.
A custodian is not less important than a teacher, a principal, or anyone else working inside a school.
And children should never be made to feel embarrassed for appreciating someone who treats them with kindness.
Parents, teachers, and school staff all have a role in creating an environment where children can express themselves without fear of ridicule.
The next time a child talks enthusiastically about a school employee, perhaps the best response isn’t to question their choice.
Perhaps it’s simply to listen.
Because sometimes, the people who make children feel welcome aren’t standing in front of a classroom.
They’re working quietly behind the scenes.
And every one of them deserves to be seen.