Teaching Children the Value of Action Over Words

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Recently, my partner and I had a particularly hectic work week, returning home much later than usual. During our drive, he reminded me that our pantry was nearly empty because we hadn’t had a chance to go grocery shopping the previous weekend. Our options were limited to a few scraps of food meant for our pets and a couple of slices of bread.

“Should I swing by a fast-food place?” I asked, knowing it wasn’t our preferred choice but a quick option that the kids enjoyed. He agreed, and I found myself in the drive-thru line at a restaurant I typically avoid due to concerns about nutrition and ethics.

As I waited for our order, an older man approached my window. “Did they happen to give you an extra burger?” he inquired.

“No, not yet,” I replied. He smiled and wished me a good night before walking away to sit next to an old bag that had clearly seen better days.

In the back seat, our two children, Jake (14) and Lily (10), were listening intently. “Mom…” Jake started.

“I know, I know,” I interrupted. “I need to wait for our food. Jake, could you help?”

“Sure!” he said, taking a $10 bill from me and heading over to the gentleman. I could hear him say, “Let’s get you something to eat,” as they walked into the restaurant together.

A few minutes later, our order was ready, and Jake returned with change. As we drove away, Lily chimed in, “I hope he finds somewhere warm to sleep.”

“Me too, sweetie,” I replied. “But at least he’s not hungry anymore.”

These moments fill me with pride as a parent. My children may not excel academically or athletically, and they often forget their homework, but they possess an incredible capacity for compassion. They don’t divide people into categories of “us” versus “them.” Instead, they see the interconnectedness of humanity.

They engage with current events, asking questions to understand the complexities of the world, even when I explain that much of it can be illogical. They advocate for love over hate and aspire to create a better world, a vision I once had at their age, which faded as I grew older. However, seeing their empathy gives me hope.

While many adults express concern about the future generation, I see potential in my children. They know about compassion not because I lectured them or we read books, but because they have witnessed it in action. Our behaviors as parents serve as the most powerful example we can set.

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In summary, teaching our children that actions speak louder than words is essential for nurturing their empathy and understanding of the world. By embodying these values ourselves, we leave a lasting legacy that shapes their perspectives and actions.