by Toni Anne

Created on: March 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

From the moment of birth, children feel the warmth of their parent's embrace, hear the words of a soothing mother, and draw security from the comfort of their surroundings. As they mature into toddlers, middle age, teens, and young adults, without these valuable expressions of compassion, how will they know how to invoke the same feelings towards others?

Compassion is a combination of sympathy, kindness, caring, concern, and empathy. It begins with helping those less fortunate than ourselves. By bringing together the forces of kindness and concern for others we open a new spectrum for your youngsters to emulate. Parents, educators, religious leaders, community leaders, and coaches all play a definitive role in teaching these concepts throughout every stage of life. Children do live by what they learn.

How is this possible, then? What sources can parents use to teach compassion? How about getting a small pet for their child? It doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. A simple turtle or gold fish will do. Teach them to feed it, talk to it, and handle it with care. Or try planting something. Begin with a seedling and plant it together. Watch as it grows into a full blossom and you'll soon see your child blossoming into a compassionate person. It's not easy, granted, but can be well worth the effort.

Another key element is getting your child to identify with their own feelings so they can pass it on to others. Instead of having your child fixed in front of the television watching W.W.E., educate them by putting on the National Geographic program or read a book together about helping others. I once took my children on a full scale neighborhood donation expedition. In 1997, Hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras. My goal was to get my children actively involved in helping others, so we went house to house asking for donations. Not money, but tangible items that we could give our church to send to those in need. It was an invaluable lesson.

Today, our busy schedules seem to keep us focused on daily routines, however, we should take the time to get involved. Helping out at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter are great places to take your chidlren to learn compassion. Visit an elderly home or a children's hospital ward where there is limited access to the outside world. You would be surprised how happy a child feels when a visitor takes the time to notice they exist. Bring a book to share.

Teaching compassion in our children's lives is very rewarding. Not only do the recipients feel the blessing, but so does the child. There is always a need for volunteers and unless these concepts are learned early, there is no chance of an improved society. As my grandmother always said, You catch my bees with honey than you do vinegar. I'd have to agree.

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