What sort of person do you want your child to grow up to be? Healthy- of course, happy- certainty. Kind- absolutely. Raising kind, empathetic children is on every parent’s agenda, and you have far more influence over their capacity for compassion than you may realise. Adopting these tricks shared by an independent school in Chorleywood can help you nurture your child’s ability to show care and understanding towards others. Keep reading to learn more about how to raise a compassionate child.
Be a Role Model
Your children look to you for pointers on how they should act and what sort of things they should value. By modelling compassion, you show your child how to do the same. You no doubt treat them with compassion and empathy but demonstrate showing compassion to strangers and people outside of your immediate bubble as well. This can be as simple as stopping to help someone pick up the shopping they dropped outside the supermarket, or something more structured like volunteering with a local charity.
Get a Pet
In the eyes of a young child, they are the centre of the universe, and everything revolves around them. They recognise their own needs and wants, but often overlook that others need care and attention as well. A pet can be a great way to teach your child the importance of caring for something or someone else. They will learn that they need to provide their new pet with food, love, and attention, and realise they aren’t the only ones with feelings and needs. Studies show that children with pets are more likely to show empathy to other people, as they learn the skills necessary to show care and compassion.
Praise Caring Behaviour
It’s important that your child knows that they are doing something right by showing compassion to others. Don’t let good deeds and kindness go unnoticed, make sure you praise your child and explain to them how their actions have had a positive impact. Children respond more effectively to praise than they do punishment, so make sure you aren’t solely reprimanding them for bad behaviour and highlight the moments you’re proud of them too.
If you have any tips on how to raise a compassionate child we’d love to hear them
*Collaborative post