dsquared on December 27, 2018We live in a world where things can get pretty crazy. There are different types of danger around us and people are unsure about what the day will bring. Then, there’s the chaos that comes with just being alive, what with working, attending classes, rushing here and there. It can be hard to show kindness to everyone around us when it seems like many of us don’t even have time to take care of ourselves. It’s easy to forget that there are other people on earth with problems, just like us. And it’s difficult to be mindful of all the misfortunes of others. But, this is why it’s so necessary for us all to take a moment, here and there, to remember the importance of showing compassion and genuine care for everyone else. It’s also important to teach our children how to be compassionate toward the people in their lives.
No doubt, you’ve heard the word “compassion” many times before. Perhaps you’ve shown compassion toward others throughout your life. But what does it really mean to have compassion? What does “being compassionate” mean? If you look up this term in the dictionary, you may see that having compassion has to do with showing or having pity for another individual who is suffering from misfortune. Having compassion is likened to having sympathy for others. But, compassion is more than simply feeling sorry for other people. It’s also taking the time and making the effort to show an understanding of what others are feeling. When a person is compassionate, he or she has a strong desire to help relieve the sufferings that another individual is dealing with. Basically, compassion is not just noticing the problem; it’s having the desire to fix it. But, how do you teach kids how to be compassionate?
It’s true that you can’t make yourself or anyone else feel compassion for others. But, you can definitely encourage your children to have a compassionate heart for others around them. And, by doing so, you’ll be able to help your kids learn how to be compassionate. It’s important to realize that this feeling of compassion is more than well-wishes for other people. This emotion is a choice, a decision to see the good in others and to believe that people should not have to suffer. And, when your kids begin to notice what’s going on in other people’s lives, they will also begin to see the importance of caring for others. Now, let’s talk about how you can help your kids learn how to be compassionate and caring individuals.
Of course, one of the most important and helpful things you can do when you are trying to help your kids learn about compassion is to be an example. Your kids are watching you and the way you respond to others will give your kids a pattern to follow. Here are a few other things you can do:
Last but not least, surround your family with other compassionate people. Your kids may not always be around you. But, you can work to make sure they spend time with others who are also living compassionate lives, just like you! You can find individuals like that right here at Ivy Prep Early Learning Academy! Just contact us to learn about our services and programs: 866-216-6750.