Families Growing Together

Never Too Early to Plant Seeds For Compassion

Many parents are concerned with ensuring that their child will grow up to be an empathetic and caring adult. What a great opportunity we have this month with our theme of “compassion” to make a conscious effort to help our children develop empathy! Research findings from around the world show that primary caregivers are one of the major influences on a child’s ability to understand and act with compassion later in life. For example, a 2006 survey of one thousand young Americans ages 15 to 25 revealed a clear link between parents who volunteer and their kids’ sense of the importance of service.
There are many resources in print and online to support parents in raising compassionate children. You might choose to do a search of your own and try out some of the tips. You can also take advantage of the many programs and events happening at Neighbourhood this month.

MAKS Begin “Us and Them” Program

This month, children ages 7-12 will begin a program exploring the phenomenon of in-groups and out-groups. Intended to help build and strengthen muscles of empathy, this program will help children under-stand “us and them” thinking and how it contributes to conflict at home, at school, and in our society. We’ll use fun games, hands-on activities, videos and stories.

Monthly Theme Challenge: Do a 180