October 17, 2024

Quote of the Week

"There is a nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy, a grace in forgiveness." -- John Connolly

Empathy: How Families Lead With Gratitude And Kindness

"If you had to choose between teaching your child empathy or helping her study for tomorrow’s math test, which would you choose?

If you had to choose between raising a kind child or making sure he was fully prepared for next week’s basketball tournament, which would you choose?

Of course, parents shouldn’t have to choose between cultivating empathy and a child’s everyday activities and accomplishments. Yet, this choosing often occurs unconsciously as families focus on daily external successes rather than core internal abilities that foster life success.

Acquired through emotional attachment with other caring human beings, empathy is our ability to recognize, feel, and respond to the needs and suffering of other people.

Why is empathy critical to your child’s development? How do parents lead children toward a caring life? This article explores answers to these questions and provides practical, research-proven ways to contribute to your child’s social-emotional well-being by teaching them empathy, compassion, gratitude and kindness." [Read Article]

Reading Corner

Title: Maddie's Fridge
By: Lois Brandt
Ages: 4-8

** Listen to this week's story online!

"Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. This storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others" -- Publisher

Be the Change

Watch this 2-minute video featured during World Mental Health Week about empathy and compassion with your kids. Ask them to think of ways they might proactively show empathy and compassion while at school, home, or even when they are out and about.  Like the video says, empathy and compassion can be grown if we water the seeds in our hearts.