by Nan Keltie

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

Some children are especially sensitive to the sufferings and troubles of others. Even at very young ages, they are quick to offer sympathy or assistance when their playmates have a "boo boo." If your children are lagging behind in this character trait, it's still possible to instill compassion in their hearts. The following guidelines show how to do just that.

Teaching Compassion ~

As parents, we are responsible to give our children a realistic view of life. Because their basic needs (food, clothing, shelter and love) are provided, our children don't always realize there are those who are less fortunate.

By introducing young children to the "real world" outside the home, we give them the chance to ask questions and receive instruction. This can be done as a family unit or one-one-one with each child as opportunities arise. Compassion can be taught using various media: age-appropriate books, movies, real-life stories, news reports and magazine articles.

When young children are introduced to the concepts of poverty, sickness, loneliness and despair, it is the parent's job to balance that information with a discussion about safety. Our children must be made aware of the fact that some people take advantage of the kindness of others. Keep the communication lines open and remind your children to come to you when they feel there is a person who needs assistance.

Our children also need to understand that there are more needy people in the world than one family can ever hope to help. Discuss the importance of making wise decisions, and let your children know you are open to donating money, clothing or food when the need is legitimate. Children can be extremely generous when they feel compassion. Place a piggy bank in the kitchen for any-day donations, and vote on a recipient or charity when the bank is full.

Modeling Compassion ~

Teaching compassion is one thing - modeling it is quite another. Are we truly compassionate? Children observe our responses to the needs of others, and they don't mind pointing out hypocrisy. If we set the example, they learn that action will follow awareness of needs. We can model compassion when we -

1. Invite a lonely widow or widower for a family meal
2. Rake leaves and clean the gutters for a disabled person
3. Adopt a nursing-home resident (make visits, share magazines, etc.)
4. Comfort the bereaved (prepare a meal, make a visit, send a card)
5. Send cards to shut-ins, neighbors and friends who are hospitalized
6. Share money, clothing or other goods when someone's house has burned
7. Donate nice clothing, food and/or furniture to local charity drives 8. Give up a seat on the bus or in a waiting room for a senior citizen 9. Offer to help a single parent who might need a friend or mentor 10. Share our holiday table with someone who can't be with family

Some children tend to be more easily touched by suffering than others. Be sensitive to your child's desire to express or display compassion. You may be raising a future counselor, health care professional, emergency responder or clergy member. Compassion is a profound stirring of the soul. Instilling compassion in children is a worthy goal for every parent.

Learn more about this author, Nan Keltie.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.