Raising A Compassionate Child

Like every other parent, we are filled with hopes and dreams for our girl. For me, one of the big things I wish for is that I instill a sense of compassion in Lily and that she grows up to genuinely care for others and realize that she can make the world a better place through small action and kindnesses every day. We talk about this a lot and while children her age typically aren't developmentally ready for a concept like compassion, I think she's starting to show what a thoughtful girl she will become.

A few months ago I was cleaning up her room, including the dozens of stuffed animals we've accumulated that she never touches. I explained to her that some children don't have any stuffed animals, and would she like to share some of the animals she has? She replied "THAT'S SOOOO SAAAAAAAAAD!" and immediately chose about 20 stuffed animals for "the other kids." We took them all down to the donation center and I again explained what would happen to make sure she wouldn't be surprised or regret giving them away. Instead, to my surprise and delight, she was totally excited to be the one to put them in the bin and have the man thank her. To say I was proud is a HUGE understatement.

Since then, Lily has been looking for other ways to help. When passing a homeless woman at an intersection, Lily asked what she was doing and I explained that she didn't have a place to live and was asking for money. Lily then announced "I have money! I'll give her money!" in the most sincere, concerned voice a 3-year-old can muster. It was heartbreaking and sweet and made me want to pull over and hug her.

Again a few weeks ago, Lily demonstrated her largesse. Chris and I had taken her to the Locks to watch the boats go through and afterwards we stopped for fish-n-chips. While waiting for our order, a man at the counter called over to his wife to see if she had cash so he could avoid using his card. Next thing I know, Lily is digging through my purse. I asked her what she was looking for and she replied "that man needs money - we have money!" While I'm not thrilled with the prospect of buying the town lunch, I did appreciate that she recognized someone else's need and immediately tried to help.

The only way her heart could be any sweeter is if she'd give her mama a break and stop cutting her own hair so I wouldn't have to use last November's pictures while waiting for an appointment to fix her latest masterpiece...