Raising Compassionate Children

Raising Compassionate children

When you think of raising compassionate children, you probably don't consider all of the varied activities that children engage in on a regular basis. It's amazing how easy it is to incorporate this personal asset into everyday events, though.

Compassion is something that can be taught at any age. Children become compassionate by watching this character trait modeled by others, such as parents, teachers and people in the news. It is one of the most rewarding virtues a person can possess.

There are many ways to help children experience situations where compassion is not only needed, but valued. Exposing children, even at a very early age, is beneficial to providing a solid foundation of experiences from which a child can draw throughout life.

If you are interested in raising compassionate children, consider some of the wonderful kids' activities listed below.

1. Making notecards or coloring pictures is a great way to teach children to appreciate others and show them how much you care. Whether you are making a get well card for a sick neighbor or drawing pictures to take to retirement centers, you can make a positive difference in another person’s life very easily and quickly.

2. Sending a care package to someone who is away from home is a sure way to make a friend or family member feel special. You may know someone who serves in the military or someone who is away at college. Box up some treats and well wishes and send them through the mail. It will be a welcome delight to receive and it will give your children a chance to focus their attention on another person who is in a different situation than their own.

3. Bake cookies for your local fire station crew or police officers. Many times, the people who work in these dangerous positions are overlooked, so taking extra time out to think about them and remember what they do will provide children with an opportunity to reflect on how they are served each and every day.

4. Give of your time to a homeless shelter or a food distribution center. It is so easy to take for granted the daily necessities of life. Understanding that there are others who do without those necessities draws out compassion and makes everyone appreciate how much we all do really have.

Raising compassionate children isn't difficult, but it takes reflection and thought – AND – from time to time, some action to solidify the feeling in the heart. Make someone else feel special and show how much you care. Your children will notice and they will imitate your compassionate heart in their own lives.