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Compassion is something we should all strive to have both as children and as adults. It’s how we understand others, offer support or guidance to others and to be respectful, among other quality traits. It’s a part of how we grow as people and what we should aspire to teach our children when they’re able to understand different thoughts, actions and feelings.
With that in mind, we have teamed up with a boarding school in Sussex to provide some top tips to raise compassion in your children.
Be a role model
Your child will often follow your moves, actions and judgements. To them we are their biggest role models. With that in mind, we should continually present ourselves as passionate, optimistic human beings when in front of our children. For moments where we feel we might show our negative side, there are ways to show your child that no matter your feelings that you can work to make these thoughts positive.
Coping strategies and techniques to show your child also become a part of this – knowing that they will sometimes let their guard down you can teach them about how to handle stressful situations.
Promote kindness in the home
If they don’t see acts of kindness at home, then they won’t know what it’s like to be respectful and honest towards others. In day-to-day life situations you can show your child ways of being kind towards people you meet throughout the day, like cashiers, sales assistants, teachers, managers and neighbours. Repeatedly being kind towards others will encourage your child to follow suit.
Get involved in local initiatives
A great way to engage children and families is by taking part in charity-led events, initiatives and ways to support the local area. A lot of these events give people an entirely new perspective that they might not have thought about before, opening their eyes to struggles and issues that impact their local community.
For children, they learn to be kinder and more respectful towards others who may be less fortunate, or are struggling in other ways and be more likely to offer support.
Pay attention and listen to your child
Children are aware of their own feelings and we shouldn’t be so quick to move their feelings aside. Listen to your child and let them know that you’re there for them. Provide them with ways to combat negative thoughts, and keep in regular touch. Ask them about their days regularly and be on hand for anything they may need – they may take it for granted now, but they’ll reflect on your time together fondly in the future.
Books are an important resource for raising compassionate children
Reading books that foster acceptance, understanding, empathy and kindness
Should be part of reading routines at school and at home
Here is our Reading For Empathy book collection
Compiled as an Instagram Guide