Raising Compassionate Children

Compassion is defined as understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it. Children develop the capacity for compassion in middle childhood: the emotional and cognitive skills of empathy, problem solving, perspective taking, and generosity towards others. Failure to develop compassion by age 11 or 12 often results in significant challenges in adolescence and beyond, when teens are more likely to be unpopular and to do poorly in school. Compassion is at the root of meaningful, lasting relationships and is a key ingredient of mental and emotional well-being.

The roots of compassion start young, and parents can help by having expectations for reciprocity in their family life. Children develop compassion when they learn to give to others and be aware of others’ feelings; when their holiday experience involves both receiving and giving; and when they learn early on that they are expected to contribute to the family’s well-being.

Find out more about the activities and experiences that help children become compassionate. Learn to assess when your child is developmentally ready to take the perspective of others, a fundamental element of learning compassion and acting compassionately. Explore how to use family meals, expeditions and volunteering to help build your children’s capacity for compassion.

Please call 310.395.5650 to schedule a parent seminar on this topic at your school or other group setting. You may also make an appointment for individualized family coaching to address how these issues affect your own family.