Raising kind, caring children in today’s world may seem like a challenge, but don’t fret! It can be done. Don’t give up mama! You can raise children who care for others. Here are a few tips. If I had to guess, I bet you are already doing some of these. Sometimes it takes awhile for the fruit of our labors to show up. But alas, we press forward.
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How to Raise Children Who Care for Others
1. Let them know you care for others.
We, as believers, are called to be Christ-like. So we should always be looking for ways to bless someone. Hold doors for people, start a pay it forward chain at your local fast food restaurant drive-up window, donate canned foods to the local food pantry, or bake some cookies for an elderly neighbor. Tell your child about what you are doing and, if possible, take them with you. Show them your prayer list with all the different people you are praying for and encourage them to make one. When you do good things for other people, your kids will see this behavior. They will be more likely to follow by your example.
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32
2. Encourage them to do kind things for others.
I believe this really starts at home. If they can learn to put their brothers and sisters first, they will be good as gold. I don’t know about you, but growing up I was always trying to irritate my sisters and they were the same with me. My kids argue over the silliest things. Mom, she’s looking at me…yeah, you probably can relate. If we can truly help our kids connect and build better relationship with each other this will be a good start. If you homeschool like me you will have plenty of training time, like all day, everyday ha!
Also it’s important to bring this same concept outside of your family unit. If your kids have old toys, encourage them to donate them to charity. Encourage them to volunteer at a local soup kitchen, hospital or animal shelter. If they are good at a sport or in a subject in school have them reach out and teach/coach someone who is just starting or struggling. Remind them to seek out the lonely kid at co-op and start a conversation. Caring can be found in the smallest of things, a smile or even one word can truly make someone’s day.
Giving and volunteering are fabulous ways to get them excited about being a blessing. Doing random acts of kindness throughout your day will also change the atmosphere of your home. Because when you do good you feel good and when you feel good you aren’t allowing negative emotions to take over. I love We Choose Virtues for extra character training.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. – Galatians 6:9
3. Teach your children how to be empathetic.
Show your children how to respond when people are going through a hard time. Additionally, show compassion when your child is going through a tough time. Your kids will be more likely to model your behavior. Reading and teaching them the Word of God is key.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
These are just a few ways to help raise children who care for others but there are many more ways to accomplish this same thing. If you are anything like me, you have had some very proud mama moments where you have thought, wow that was really a sweet thing my child just did. Hold on to those. You may only get glimpses in the early years, but I promise you will see more and more of these as they grow into adults. After all we are raising adults not children. Give them time, it will come. Praying with and for your kids can make all the difference too.
What are some ways you are intentional to raise children who care for others?
Related
- Teaching Children Gratitude Through Giving and Volunteering
- 3 Ways to Abide in Christ Through the Difficult Seasons of Motherhood
- To the Mom Comparing Herself to Other Moms
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Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, & Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!
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