Teaching Compassion to Your Kids (Part I)
Suffering with another person shows you care about them. In the communities where we grew up, everyone showed compassion when someone was sick or hurt or their house burned down. People chipped in, cooked food, sat and suffered with each other. Jesus-followers are still the most compassionate people on earth. We do more for the sick and the poor than anyone.
But how do we teach our children to have compassion?
Some time back, someone sent an excellent piece from ‘All Pro Dad’ on building compassion into your kids. Here’s the first half of “10 things you must teach your children about compassion”. . .
- It Starts At The Top
Your life must lead the way for the next generation. If your existence is shallow and self-serving, your children will emulate the same. Display a generous and loving heart so that your children may see it in action. Never let an opportunity slip by that compassion can be given. It is always the small things that matter in life. A warm smile where only cold is known. A gentle embrace when all others have passed by. A helping hand to ease an overbearing struggle. It starts with you.
2. No Child Left Behind
Talk to your children about school life. Do they notice the girl eating alone at lunch? The boy with nobody to play with at recess? Are they themselves that child? Encourage your children to reach out to those that need a friendly face. It takes courage to do so. The group dynamic is such that those children are left behind. Teach them to be leaders that set positive trends.
3. Seniors Rule
In most aspects of life, seniority rules. At school and in your career. This should translate to Grandma and Grandpa as well. In most cultures, it does. In American culture, it does not. That is to our disgrace. Teach your children to respect their elders. It is biblically commanded and extremely wise to do so. Have your kids spend quality time with the older folks in your circle. To help them and learn from them. Compassion for the weak and fragile is a very strong character trait to possess.
4. Positive Impact
How can our compassion have meaningful results? That is the challenge to bring up and discuss with your kids. You want to have a positive impact. Giving a homeless man $5 just to buy more booze is frustrating to many people. Instead, consider pre-making survival bags for the homeless. Take the kids to distribute them. Fill a grocery bag with everyday needed items and food that does not need preparation. You will light up the face of a desperate man with gratitude and hope. If only for a brief time.
5. Turn The Media Tables
Television and the Internet are overflowing with bad examples for our children. Sex, violence and self-centeredness are celebrated and encouraged. It is simply not possible to filter it all out. Instead, use it for your advantage when possible. Watch what your kids are watching. When opportunity presents itself, use it. Point out moments that could have been different with compassion and decent morals. Turn the tables on irresponsible media making money corrupting the souls of society. You should see it as a war, because that’s exactly what it is.1
Question: Will you be intentional about teaching compassion to your children? Tell us here.
(Open your Monday e-mail for the last 5 “Things you must do to teach your children compassion.)
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1 All-Pro Dad is a unique fatherhood program whose vision is for every child to know the love of a dad and for every dad to be engaged in the life of their child. Learn more at www.allprodad.com.
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