How to raise a compassionate child

Like many traits, kindness is another which we adopt through observing the role models in our lives – namely our parents. It is something that is learnt over time through practice and there are many things that we can do as parents to help our children grow into compassionate young people. We have paired up with a pre prep school in Buckinghamshire to share tips on how to raise a compassionate child.

Observing Facial Expressions

Getting your child to understand facial expressions and body language from a young age can help them to learn how to put themselves in the shoes of other people. This is a fundamental step in building compassion.

Respecting Your Child

While parenting is about careful discipline, respecting your child as a person is just as important for their development in becoming a caring individual. Punishing your child and forcefully pulling them away to leave a supermarket or a playground can demonstrate a disregard for their feelings. Instead, use gentle reminders that are given in plenty of time to show respect.

Highlighting Kind Behaviours

Around your child, when people demonstrate acts of kindness, make it apparent that they did something nice and thank them. This shows your child just how important and valued kindness is.

Modelling Behaviour

Demonstrate kindness to others as a compassionate role model, whether it be volunteering to help a neighbour or comforting a friend. This compassionate behaviour will rub off on your child and will be mirrored. Likewise, any untoward behaviour will also be picked up and copied by your child.

Learn that It Will Take Time

As mentioned at the beginning, compassion is something that takes time to build. While a child can begin to understand emotions, it isn’t until later that they are able to understand why they are felt. It is important to be patient with this process and fully embrace the stages of your child’s development.

Thanks for reading xxx