How to Teach Compassion Within the Family

Practice Happiness at Home

Compassion begins at home. Compassion is the understanding of the emotional state of another. Compassion is often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another or to show special kindness to those who suffer. You can raise a child who is sensitive and kind by creating a home environment that nurtures children's emotional health. A compassionate, caring home is the cornerstone for the emotional well-being of both parents and children. Here are eight compassion-increasing exercises.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• An open heart
• A commitment to your family
• A willingness to learn more compassionate ways

1. Consider the atmosphere in your home. How you treat each other is more important than whether or not the chores are done. Kids learn their value system from watching how their parents behave toward one another. It is more important to find agreement on your core value system than in the daily tasks and challenges of parenting.

2. Be aware of how you treat each other. Babies experience compassion when a mother meets their needs and comforts their tears. Children 5 years and under are absorbing how you talk to each other and how you resolve conflicts. Children are soaking it all in and their behavior will reflect how you treated the members of your family.

3. Practice happiness. Emphasize the good, the positive, the upbeat. There is no need to pollute your home with information and attitudes that bring you down or discourage you. Watch uplifting movies, share happy thoughts and positive stories. Turn off violence. Be kind to each other. Listen to happy music.

4. Handle disagreements with respect. Show appreciation for differences. Try to agree on a plan for when and how you will discuss relationship challenges, scheduling conflicts and parenting differences.

5. Remember that you will bring your past experiences to your parenting. By being aware of the positive and negative emotions you have about the decisions your parents made, you can make a choice to parent similarly or differently.

6. Use nonviolent dialogue. No threats, put downs, or name calling allowed. No violence of any kind. One day each week make a conscious effort to speak kindly and gently, not only to your family members, but to everyone you meet.

7. Strive for peaceful parenting. As you experience differences in parenting philosophies, remember that children will benefit most from consistency and follow-through, not which parent wins.

8. Be a comforting presence. When family members are having a bad day they may not be able to clearly express what's going on. Sometimes they might not even notice that they're feeling stressed. That's when your compassion will be helpful. Crankiness or gloomy attitudes are indications that something is wrong. When you show concern and understanding you are extending the heart of compassion.