One core value to be aware of in children is the art of being compassionate. It means that your child learns to become aware of other people’s feelings, offers support where needed and learns to read other people’s thoughts. There is a lot that comes into play with people’s thoughts and feelings, but it also means that your child has a good chance to learn about how they can be better behaved and respectable throughout life.
UK schools and other activities your child will get into will naturally help your child learn to become aware of compassion, but there are also ways you can help out at home. Here are some top tips that we recommend.
Provide your child with plenty of life experiences
Oftentimes a natural way of showing your child how to be compassionate can be through real-life experiences that will give them the awareness of what they may come into contact with. Heading out on walks, popping to the shops, going to a play centre and so many other experiences will naturally show your child how they can feel compassion.
Something may happen in public where your child doesn’t know how to react. You could use those times to ask your child how they feel about the situation and what they can do to improve their understanding of feelings others experience.
Be your child’s role model
Show your child what it’s like to be a good role model by showing them how to be a good person day in and day out. Provide your child with plenty of examples that show them how to be compassionate. For example, act compassionate towards your child when they’re feeling upset about something.
Talk to them openly and see what they may want to explore with you as well. The more you feel open and exploratory with your child the better the chances are your child can learn to rely on you for help and guidance.
Combat negative feelings
Your child is bound to become upset at some point. It’s important to talk them through how they can manage these emotions that will enable them to feel compassionate and engaged. Be honest with them and show them how you would handle a tricky situation.
The more your child is exposed to these emotions the better prepared they will be, and it can be helpful to be there for them. As compassion is a positive feeling, your child is going to be able to handle themselves better through repeated understanding of how to manage those bad feelings.
If you have any tips on how to raise a compassionate child we’d love to hear them
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs, including Wannabe Princess and Under 5s. Specializing in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and early years development,