A Mother’s Plea to Foster Empathy in Children: ‘Let’s Raise Kind Kids’

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In the realm of parenting, there exists an inherent desire to cultivate kindness and empathy within our children. This sentiment was poignantly expressed by writer and mother, Sarah Thompson, in a recent social media post that has resonated with many. After a distressing incident involving her son, she felt compelled to urge parents everywhere to instill values of compassion and respect in their children.

“This is my son, Max. He is seven years old and preparing to enter second grade. Max has a limb difference, meaning he is missing part of his limb. As you can observe, his left hand is not fully formed. We affectionately refer to it as his ‘little hand,’” Thompson shares.

Thompson recounts how, upon adopting Max as a toddler, the family viewed his limb difference as a minor aspect of his identity. She describes him as an active child who participates in sports, practices martial arts, and enjoys climbing. “Max is capable of doing nearly everything any other child his age can do,” she tells ICIBlog. “I have never imposed different expectations on him due to his physical differences. I aim to teach all my children that people come in various shapes and sizes, and that kindness is paramount. Max is who he is, and while he occasionally wears a prosthetic, he thrives just as he is.”

Before a recent “meet your teacher” event at Max’s school, Thompson noticed her son’s anxiety about returning to the classroom. “I worry that new kids might stare or ask questions about my little hand,” he expressed. Thompson reassured him that such curiosity was natural, given how unique his hand is compared to what most people are accustomed to seeing. She asked if he was comfortable with other children inquiring about his hand.

“Yes,” he replied, “but I get tired of explaining that this is how I was born. Is it okay if I feel that way?” Thompson affirmed that it was completely valid for him to feel this way, explaining that curiosity often stems from a place of innocence. It was then that Max made a heartfelt request: “Please don’t let them be mean to me, Mommy.” This sentiment struck Thompson deeply, evoking a profound sense of empathy.

Later, Max confided that he had experienced teasing from peers during summer camp. “Here’s my takeaway,” Thompson writes. “Encourage curiosity about those who may look different, but remind your children that there is a living, feeling individual behind those differences. If your child is unique in any way, it’s crucial to remain attuned to their experiences and emotions. Their feelings of being bullied or excluded are significant. Listen, and above all, educate your children on the importance of empathy and inclusion.”

In sharing advice for parents facing similar challenges, Thompson emphasizes the importance of attentiveness to what children may not verbalize. “My son didn’t directly tell me about the teasing; it emerged amidst another discussion. While we strive to teach our children kindness and empathy, it’s equally vital to instruct them on how to handle questions regarding others’ differences,” she states. This reinforces the idea that discussions on respect and inclusion should begin early, even when curiosity is the catalyst.

For parents interested in exploring paths to parenthood, resources such as Make a Mom provide valuable insights into at-home insemination, including their re-usable options. Additionally, ICIBlog offers further information on how to navigate this journey. For those seeking community support, the Make a Mom Facebook group is a welcoming place to connect with others. Lastly, Parents.com serves as an excellent resource for understanding the nuances of pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, fostering empathy and respect in our children is a shared responsibility among parents. By promoting understanding and kindness, we lay the groundwork for a more inclusive future.