As a mother of two teenagers teaching them compassion in this day and age was not an easy thing. They are bombarded by messages everywhere to think of self and self only.

There are graphic images of killing, mutilation and harming others all around them. T. V., video games, books and movies. Peer pressure is huge and you must conform or be a geek or the local outcast.

How do we overcome these messages in our children? How do we break the influence of society?
There are several ways I have found that have influenced my children to be compassionate teenagers and care for others in a way that has made me proud.

The first way is " Practice What You Preach"! Kids know a hypocrite when they see one. Even a preschooler isn't fooled at times. Kids have a great since of justice and you had better follow your own advice. At every opportunity show any kindness that you can in front of your kids. Open doors for people, carry items for people who are struggling, bake goodies and take them to someone who is needs a lift. Any small gesture will do as an example to your kids. Your kids will soon see you are sincere and that it makes others happy.

The next way is to "adopt" a cause. Anything that your kids have to think about, plan and carry out will do. For example: volunteering at a soup kitchen at holiday time, collecting and donating toys, hats, gloves or mittens to community "banks" is a great way to teach kids that others don't have as much as they do. Make this a family effort and your kids will learn the lesson faster. If both Mom and Dad are involved kids get the idea that giving out compassion is for everyone too.

Another way to teach children compassion is to treat them that way. Kindness, listening to their thoughts and ideas , making them feel important and most of all finding little ways to lift them up everyday is the best teacher. They learn early that they are valuable human beings and that what they say and do matters and is important. If they are treated that way they are more apt to treat others the same.

Finally, there is no substitute for parents. Be involved in your children's lives. Show them by example true compassion. Encourage them as preschoolers to treat others right and then they will be on the right road towards compassion.

It is a great day when you observe your teenage son opening the door at the mall for a mom with a little girl in her arms. The little girl looks at my son and smiling says" Thank you nice man!" and my son replying says " Anytime little girl and have fun shopping.".

Learn more about this author, Bethany Harvey.
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