Raising a Compassionate Child

If your child was at the park and noticed a little boy who was scared to climb down the steps, what would your child do? How about if you took a walk around the neighborhood and found a dog who obviously needed food and water? What would your initial response be? The desire to help someone (or something!) when they are hurt or in distress is compassion. Compassion is becoming harder and harder to find in today's world and it is a vital part of being a human-being. I'm scared to think what this world will come to when compassion is lost forever.

It is extremely important to teach your child what compassion, empathy, and simply being kind means. Putting yourself in someone else's shoes is a crucial step towards caring emotions such as compassion, hope, and gratitude. Raising a child who is compassionate is very simple (honestly!) and I'll give you a few ideas to help stimulate that learning!

1. RECOGNIZE KINDNESS : When you notice your child being nice or helping someone, be sure to call attention to it. You can say something like, "That was SO nice of you for helping her!" or "I bet he is a little lonely and sad that nobody is playing with him. How do you think he will feel if you asked to play?". This helps your child recognize good acts and behaviors and bringing attention to it encourages them to keep doing it!

2. VOLUNTEER : There are endless opportunities to volunteer, no matter where you live! Showing your child that some times others need help and they can provide that help , can be hugely beneficial for everyone involved. Some places that appreciate volunteer work include animal shelters, nursing homes, your local food pantry, and homeless shelters. (Where I live, our Humane Society offers a 'Buddy Reading Program' where your child can go once a week and read to a homeless animal. This helps the animal and the child! I love it!)

3. ORGANIZE A EVENT : Have your child help organize a food drive for your local pantry or a supply drive for your favorite animal rescue. Host a Card Party and invite all of your child's friends over to make smile cards for elders in a nursing home. Getting your child involved is priceless and provides a huge smile when they realize just how much they've helped brighten a day!

Compassion is one of the most important principles one can possess. Let's keep the kindness going!

#Parenting #Family