I feel like many of todays children are self-centered and materialistic. What can I do to teach children to care more about others?
First, teach children empathy by helping them identify others’ emotions. When something occurs, help the child focus on the other child’s face and name the emotion. Use phrasing like, “See her face? Her face says, ‘Ouch, pinching hurts. I want you to touch me softly.’” ” See her face? Her face says, ‘I want you to play with me.’” Next, begin to notice helpful and kind behaviors. Use the phrase, “You _______ so ________. That was helpful (kind, thoughtful, etc.).” “You set the table so we would be ready to eat. That was helpful.” Noticing in this way tells children that their behavior makes a difference to the family (or classroom). Educators can learn more about the language of noticing in my Conscious Discipline book, while similar information for parents is contained in Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline. As a final note, parents can help by shifting to family activities that don’t involve material things. Bake cookies to take to the fire department, give each other coupons for ti
