“Social/Emotional Development: Raising Compassionate Kids”
Thoughts from Parent Connect 12/5/2024
From Psychology Today, “Raise Compassionate Children”: The Value of Compassion - Developing compassion starts with the recognition that we are not isolated creatures, but rather individuals who are a part of many groups-communities, races, religions, nationalities, and citizens of planet Earth-that must coexist to survive. Compassion enables us to feel empathy for others and to put others' needs ahead of our own when necessary.
Some thoughts from our discussion:
Social/ Emotional Developmental Milestones:
2-3 year olds are beginning to recognize others’ emotions, show concern for others by trying to comfort or help them.
3-4 year olds can label others’ emotions and show compassion through words or actions.
Children learn by example. Be a compassionate role model and invite your child to be involved: take a meal to someone, donate unused items, help a neighbor clear their sidewalk.
Narrate what you are doing, “My friend is having a hard time, so I’m going to keep her company.” “Your sibling looks upset, let’s see how we can help.”
Help your child learn how to regulate their strong emotions: deep breathing, taking a break, etc.
Make caring for the world, others and justice a focus. Help your child to notice what’s fair and what’s unfair. How can we help to make things more fair?
Surround yourself with a caring, compassionate community - friends, neighbors, faith community.
Resources:
From Harvard “7 Tips For Raising Caring Kids”
13 Ways to Raise Caring and Compassionate Children
