Parenting: Raising Compassionate Children - as part of the expert series by GeoBeats.

Raising Compassionate Children

The first step you take in order to achieve having a compassionate, kind child is to show compassion and kindness to your child yourself, because the old phrase goes, “Children learn what they live,” and that is really, really true. So, let’s just say you are compassionate and kind to your child, but you find your child being more selfish than you ever thought they would be. Well, that’s normal for childhood and I think if you just learn to accept that in the present moment and not think in terms of, you know, “Oh she’s so selfish right now. How can she ever be compassionate and kind when she’s older?” But she can be. Children go through phases where they are very self-centered and it’s normal.

Just know that you’re doing the best that you can when you’re showing love and compassion, and teach your child compassion, but don’t push. Don’t try to force them to be compassionate. You might call them aside and say, you know, “Let’s say that in a little more kind tone of voice.” That’s the way you really get compassionate kids, teaching them in the moment.