How to Raise a Compassionate Child

There’s no time like the present to start teaching your child about empathy and compassion, regardless of their age. If you lay the foundation early, your child is more likely to grow up to be kind-hearted and thoughtful. Here’s some advice from an independent school in Surrey on what you can do to raise a compassionate child. 

Talk About Feelings

Help your child understand that people have feelings and the way we treat them can impact these feelings. For instance, if we punch or scratch, snatch, or shout, we will probably hurt someone’s feelings. Alternatively, if we are polite and share our things, and offer support where we can, we will help to lift a person up and make them happy. 

Reprimand Unkind Behaviour

If you notice your child behaving unfavourably towards another person, talk to them about why that was wrong. Refer back to the previous point about hurting people’s feelings. For instance, if you notice your child snatching a toy whilst playing with their friend or sibling, ask them how they think that might have made their friend/sibling feel. 

Praise Compassionate Behaviour

Praising good behaviour is just as important as reprimanding bad behaviour when reinforcing a certain lesson, if not more so. With that said, if you notice your child being kind to someone in some way, be sure to let them know you are proud of them and why. This should encourage them to repeat similar actions later down the line.

Be a Good Role Model

The best thing you can do for your child when instilling them with certain moral values is to show them the right way to behave. Demonstrate to them what caring, compassionate behaviour looks like by maintaining a pleasant approach with people, from your partner to the waitress in a restaurant. Apologise if you lose your temper and offer a helping hand to those in need. Your child will notice these small acts of kindness and will follow suit.