While on a family trip, my children asked about a man in tattered clothes holding up a sign on the side of the road. I saw this as an opportunity to both be of service, and to explain aspects of life to my little ones.
How do you promote empathy and understanding in your children?
Service. Being of service often has the tendency to change YOUR heart and soften YOU, regardless of how the recipient feels. My mom also mentioned encouraging your child to apologize and I would add that they need to not require an apology in return. Some things can be explained verbally but others need to be shown, and I think encouraging a child to serve is a great way to subtly perpetuate experiences that naturally lead one to contemplate views of compassion, empathy, mercy, humility, understanding, and gratitude.
Service. Being of service often has the tendency to change YOUR heart and soften YOU, regardless of how the recipient feels. My mom also mentioned encouraging your child to apologize and I would add that they need to not require an apology in return. Some things can be explained verbally but others need to be shown, and I think encouraging a child to serve is a great way to subtly perpetuate experiences that naturally lead one to contemplate views of compassion, empathy, mercy, humility, understanding, and gratitude.
Every time I thought of something, it really did fall under your 'service' comment.
Perfect.
Drop the mic and head on home. I think this conversation is over...?