Compassion is one of those prime human qualities which hold great significance in our everyday life. This connects us with our fellow beings and helps us form some everlasting bonds. It makes us who we are and leads us towards the path of righteousness.
When we are compassionate, we understand others emotions, their feelings, their despair; everything. We understand the importance of being affectionate towards every living body on the earth. Not just we get to connect with one another in a humanitarian way but we even refrain ourselves from hurting others through our words or action.
Compassion is a vital virtue that needs to be developed in each individual as then only we can live as civilized human beings who value their life in true sense. However, this quality can’t just be built overnight. It has to be nurtured slowly and gradually. Kids must be introduced to this noble virtue at a tender age so that by the time they attain maturity, it becomes an inseparable part of their personality.
As your child turns 3, you can take the opportunity to introduce your little one to compassion. If the seeds are sowed at this age, it will turn out to be a fruitful tree with the course of time. But you may wonder as to how kids can be made to learn about compassion.
Well, it isn’t that tough as you believe. You just have to take care of the given points and you will see how compassion gets a safe place in your little one’s heart.
1. Be compassionate yourself
Every teaching begins from home itself. Kids always imitate you and follow your path. If you have the habit of yelling at others, throwing things when in anger or being harsh with your words; don’t be surprised if your kid too uses the same tone and follows the similar behavior pattern. So, the change needs to come from your end. Be mindful of the words you use before your kid. Use more of polite words as ‘sorry’, ‘thank-you’ etc. Keep your tone very low and humble and speak to everyone in a polite way. Never show your anger when your kid is around as he may not understand what has caused you to lose control.
2. Never back-bite about people in front of your child
Kajal, mother of 4-year-old Aanya, was busy gossiping about her mother-in-law with her neighbor unaware of the fact that her daughter, though occupied with her toys, was listening to the conversation. She realized the same when she heard Aanya in her innocent manners asking her grandmother why her mom calls her bad. Well, this can certainly be embarrassing and it’s something which most parents experience. This is because kids have a very sharp memory and they remember most of the things they hear you talking. Back biting is not a good habit to nurture. Avoid talking ill of people whether or not your kids are around. Also, once your kid grows up; make sure you never encourage the habit of back biting in him as well.
3. Indulge in some charity
Sharing your things with those who aren’t blessed with the necessities of life is a great noble deed to pursue. Involve your little ones in some charity work like donating their old toys and dresses to poor kids. You can even donate them to your servant’s kids; if you have any. It can be a very small act from your end, but will prove to be a great learning for your child.
4. Encourage humbleness
It’s very important that kids learn to speak in a humble and polite manner. And this can only happen when you guide them accordingly. If hear them using harsh words or being rude, always correct them then and there. Never ignore such behavior considering it as their childish nature. It may sound appealing to hear it at this age but when they will use a similar language after growing up, you will never be able to correct them. Encourage them to speak in polite tone and use humble words as ‘please’, ‘thank-you’ etc.
5. Shower affection on your kids
With affection we mean that you must deal them with love and care. It doesn’t call for buying them expensive gifts or being too sugar-coated with your words. Speak to them calmly and always use nice words. Hitting and raising voice is never really a solution to discipline the kids. Also, you will have to treat them with respect as they will also model the same behavior with you and others as well.
6. Teach them to be kind to pets
If you have a pet at home, make sure that your kid never bullies him. Kids in general love playing around with the pets at home. And most end up annoying the pets in some or the other way like pulling a dog’s tail or ears, spilling a cat’s food etc. At times kids even tend to hurt pets by throwing things at them. Never ever encourage or take pleasure in such activities. Teach your little one to be loving and caring towards the animal. Once they learn to be affectionate towards the pets at home, they will apparently turn loving towards other animals they see on street.
7. Read out some moral based stories
This can be the best way of teaching them about compassion. Get some story books which deal with moral values as compassion, love, forgiveness etc. Stories do leave an impact on your child’s mind and they are one fine way of molding their minds in the right direction. The learning they gain from these stories always sticks around with them. Don’t you remember the wonderful stories you heard in your child like the Honest Woodcutter?
If you want your kid to grow into a compassionate and loving person, start making the efforts from now. Lay the foundation on which you can help him bring a strong personality!