Creating a culture of compassion is harder than ever yet more necessary. And in a world that feels distant, small acts of kindness can bring us closer. Demonstrating to children how to be compassionate is a life lesson we all need them to learn. Consider small acts of kindness you can do together. For example, is there an older neighbor who needs her walk shoveled? Is there a toy you could purchase together to give to a child in need? Empathy helps children feel connected and helps to develop their character and social-emotional growth. As the most important role model in a child’s life, parents can strive to model emotional intelligence at home. Our homes should be the “safe place to fall” for every member. It is where we can each come, at the end of a long, stressful day, and be ourselves. We are loved unconditionally, and we, in turn, value and love others. With this supportive foundation, our children can go to school, sports fields, theater stages, and online chat rooms and be an emotional support to others. Not to mention the ability to empathize is more important now than ever, as social distancing may have added another effect on our population: the opportunity to conduct less-than-positive interactions behind screens.
