TIP 7. Help children develop self-control and manage feelings effectively. WHY? Often the ability to care for others is overwhelmed by anger, shame, envy, or other negative feelings. HOW? We can teach children that all feelings are ok, but some ways of dealing with them […]
TIP 6. Promote children’s ability to be ethical thinkers and positive change-makers in their communities. WHY? Children are naturally interested in ethical questions and grappling with these ethical questions can help them figure out, for example, what fairness is, what they owe others, and what […]
TIP 5. Expand your child’s circle of concern. WHY? Almost all children empathize with and care about a small circle of families and friends. Our challenge is help children learn to have empathy and care about someone outside that circle, such as a new child in […]
TIP 4. Provide opportunities for children to practice caring and gratitude. WHY? Children need to practice caring for others and being grateful—it’s important for them to express appreciation for the many people who contribute to their lives. Studies show that people who engage in the […]
TIP 3. Make caring for others a priority and set high ethical expectations. WHY? It’s very important that children hear from their parents and caretakers that caring about others is a top priority and that it is just as important as their own happiness. Even […]
TIP 2. Be a strong moral role model and mentor. WHY? Children learn ethical values and behaviors by watching our actions and the actions of other adults they respect. Children will listen to our teaching when we walk the talk. HOW? Pay close attention to […]
TIP 1. Work to develop caring, loving relationships with your kids. WHY? Children learn to care and respect when they are treated that way. When our children feel loved, they also become attached to us. That attachment makes them more receptive to our values and […]
Research in human development clearly shows that the seeds of empathy, caring, and compassion are present from early in life, but that to become caring, ethical people, children need adults to help them at every stage of childhood to nurture these seeds into full development. We […]
Is your whole fam frazzled? Our experts highlight seven ways to determine if your family is overly stressed—and what you can do about it. As a parent, you already know that stress is as much a part of life as bedtime battles and picky eating. But what you […]
Five teachers with a combined 90 years of experience share tips for parents of 2- to 5-year-olds. Getting the Best from Your Child I worry that my 3-year-old, Sophie, has a split personality. At school, she cleans up her toys, puts on her shoes, and […]