Children watch us and learn by seeing what we do. We can instill compassion in our children by showing it.
~Help a single or elderly neighbor.
~ Donate canned goods to a food bank.
~ Donate or give a kind word to someone who is homeless or in need.
~ Provide your children with other role models such as family members and friends who are kind and caring.
~ Encourage your children to do volunteer work in the community such as visiting people in nursing homes or helping individuals with disabilities.
~ Encourage your children to take care of a pet.
Provide opportunities for children to work and play together
Games or activities that emphasize cooperation help children to think about the needs and feelings of others while striving to achieve a common goal. For example, you could teach them games such as ‘cooperative musical chairs’ and ‘Statues’, or do activities such as painting murals and building cities out of blocks.
Explain to children that harmful words and actions affect others.
“Look how Jessica felt when you pushed her and made her fall. Help her up, please.”
Tell children which behaviors are valued and why.
“I'm so glad that you helped Martin pick up his toys. I know that he was glad you helped him, too. That is the way to be a good friend.”
Serve as a model of empathy.
Children learn compassion by observing your kindness toward others, listening to what you say and how you talk about others.
“Mrs. Ortega must be very sad because she lost her pet. Let’s go visit her and see if we can help make her feel better.”
These are just a few examples. Feel free to share other ideas.
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