How to Raise a Compassionate Child

Treating other people with kindness is learnt behaviour, just like any other social skill. If you want your little one to be a loving, empathetic person, then it’s important to nurture these qualities from an early age.

I’ve have teamed up with a top independent school in London to explore how parents can bring out their child’s compassionate nature. Keep reading to find out more.

Set An Example

Children learn how to treat others from the example you set for them, so make compassion a key part of your family’s philosophy. Speak to your children, your partner and your relatives with respect and kindness, and expect the same in return. Try to show patience and understanding for your child’s emotions, even when they are testing. If your child is having a tantrum, handle it by saying “I know you’re feeling upset, but this behaviour isn’t acceptable, so we can talk it through when you have lowered your voice.” This sends the message that you care about how they are feeling but are not willing to be disrespected. Shouting at an angry child will only reinforce the idea that this is an appropriate way to deal with emotions.

Adopt a Pet

Caring for another living creature breeds compassion in children. Even small children can take part in the daily care of their new pet and will take on a sense of responsibility for keeping their pet happy and healthy. Studies have shown that children who grow up with pets are more likely to show compassion and empathy towards others as they have practice caring for the needs of another being.

Praise Kindness

The more you celebrate compassionate behaviour, the more children will act this way in order to gain your approval. If you see your child help another child who has fallen in the playground, tell them how proud you are of them for being so caring. Make sure to recognise when your child notices emotions in others, as this shows that they are learning to interpret other people’s feelings and are developing a sense of empathy. Use these moments as an opportunity to explain emotions to them, and tell them you think it’s very clever that they noticed.