Definition: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others
Reason Chosen: There are a lot of hurting people in this world. If we choose to turn a blind eye, we have no compassion. Having empathy is one of the more important traits you can teach your child. “Empathy works so well because it doesn’t require a solution. It only requires an understanding,” is a quote written by John Medina, author of “Brain Rules for Babies.” Maybe that is easier said than done. Developing compassion is one step toward teaching your kids to be less egocentric – that this world is not all about them. In fact, as a Christian, we believe the opposite. True we believe that Jesus came to save US from our sin through his death on the cross. This gift is free and available by believing in his sacrifice for our sin. However, once that transformation happens, we are suppose to become different and grow in our concern, compassion and care for others. According to John Gottman, empathy is the independent variable that predicts success in marriage. According to Medina, it is “so powerful in can change the developing nervous systems of infants who parents regularly practice it.” Compassion is learning to reach outside our own world and truly care about others and their experiences on this planet. It is a heart thing, but it is also a choice. Help your children choose compassion.
* Binder Clips (Craft Store)* Paper Cutter or Scissors* Hole Punch The girls chose a paper style they thought would look good with the letters they chose. We then helped them sound out “compassion.” They took turns finding the letters we needed and sticking them on the paper…they’re kids – the letters will not be stuck on perfect. I then cut the paper to the same size as the paper from last week. We punched a hole in the corner and stuck it on our binding clip. Each week, a new word will be added to the clip in similar fashion. I then wrote the Bible verse on the back. If your kids are older, have them do it themselves. We’ll spend this week learning the word, meaning and memorizing the scripture.
