Tips on raising a compassionate child

Compassion is our ability to pick up on emotional distress and it motivates us to go out of our way to help others. It’s what allows us to form social connections and makes us human. We’re all predisposed to feel and care for others and there are many things that you can do to help your child be more empathetic. An independent school in Hammersmith shares more on how to raise a compassionate child.

Give their emotions a name

To help your child with their understanding of emotions, name their emotions by suggesting what they happen to be feeling like ‘happy’, ‘sad’ or ‘grumpy’. This can help them to understand what it’s like to experience the different emotions, allowing them to be more compassionate towards their peers.

Guide their compassion

You can teach your child about how to respond when they see others in distress by giving them hints on what to do. For example, if a child is upset, you can encourage your child to offer them a hug or to say something kind to help them feel better.

Model compassion

Being a compassionate role model to your child means offering support to those around you in their presence. This will teach them how to behave in similar social situations and about the importance of kindness.

Role play

Role play is a good way to prepare children for future situations and can help them to build their confidence too. Using toys or acting the part out yourself, pretend to be upset and wait for your child to respond. You can use prompts to help them decide on what to do or put on a play where you show examples.

Be kind to your child

Being dismissive of your child’s feelings can set a poor example for them and teach them to do the same. Showing consideration of their emotions can help them to understand compassion and how to exercise it. For example, instead of pulling your child away from the playground, you can give them gentle reminders in advance to prepare them for home time.