Creative Ways To Reinforce Values: Kindess & Compassion
The smallest act of kindness is worth more to someone than the most exquisite diamond.
All children need some measure of kindness and compassion in adult life, especially in a marriage relationship. We do not want our children to be isolated and lacking in human relationships when they grow up. Families are instrumental in helping children develop kindness and compassion. The early childhood years are the most important time for parents to be teaching them these virtues.
Guidelines for promoting kindness and compassion in your home:
All children need some measure of kindness and compassion in adult life, especially in a marriage relationship. We do not want our children to be isolated and lacking in human relationships when they grow up. Families are instrumental in helping children develop kindness and compassion. The early childhood years are the most important time for parents to be teaching them these virtues.
Guidelines for promoting kindness and compassion in your home:
- Place clear firm limits on hurting others.
- Get them to think about the effects of their actions to others.
- Promote a positive view of people including those from other cultures.
- Take children with you when you help other people. Be their example.
- Encourage your children to help each other at home and around the house.
- Comment often about their kind and helpful behavior.
- Encourage sharing.
Children learn best through teachable moments that are positive and encouraging when you are doing something together. Throughout your day, you need to look for opportunities to teach and reinforce values. As they grow up these values will become intrinsic to them and will guide them as they make decisions. Once you have instilled your values in them, you will be parenting them internally even though you are not around. Make sure to give a lot of praise and positive reinforcement when they behave.
Family Activities that foster kindness and compassion:
- Visit the elderly, sick and shutins and take flowers, food, books and cards your children have made.
- Get to know a single parent or needy family. Help them buy food, toys and clothes. Invite them into your home. Invite them for Thanksgiving.
- Bake bread, cookies, brownies or a cake and share with people in your neighborhood.
- Sort and give away outgrown clothes and toys to a needy family, the homeless or the Salvation Army.
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
- Play games that encourage sharing and taking turns.
- Study animals in nature. A nursing mother cat will care for an abandoned kitten.
- Adopt a single parent family and include them in activities and invite them into your home.
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