At times, my now-teenagers had a great capacity to step into the shoes of another; but at other times, I felt that despite my best efforts, empathy was lacking. I also noticed that their empathy skills developed differently, despite having the same parents and upbringing. How did what came so young and so naturally for one child seem so challenging for another?
Navigating Difficult Conversations with Children
The last few years have pushed us to our limits as we watch our world become more and more polarized over conversations around gun laws, mental health, the pandemic, race, and a war that rages in Eastern Europe. It seems almost impossible to take a breath. I struggle with how much to share with my children, but I ultimately know that they need to hear the truth – in age appropriate ways – even when it breaks my heart to share it with them.
Here are my suggestions on having these challenging conversations along with some resources that have helped me – and might help you as well.
Grow Big Hearts with a Family Book Club!
Making time to read and wonder together offers a comforting oasis in an often chaotic world, for both children and parents. To make getting started easier for your family, we at Doing Good Together have added several bookish acts of service to our growing Pick-a-Project collection.
Share 31 Days of Hygge-Inspired Kindness
Compassion Fatigue? 5 Big-Hearted Strategies for Self-Care
Self-care may conjure visions of bubble baths and movie nights (two creature comforts I fully embrace), but there is lots of evidence that a few intentional wellness strategies can help us feel great even in the midst of chaos. These five strategies can help you cultivate your whole family’s sense of well-being.
Raise Kindness! How Can Your Busy Family Practice Compassion Every Day?
At Doing Good Together, we help families start and sustain an intentional “ kindness practice,” a powerful combination of daily habits, big-hearted conversations, great books, and volunteer experiences. Starting - and sustaining - an intentional kindness practice with your busy family is easier than you’d think. Here are the tools to get you started!
Our Storied History: Books for the Changemakers of Today and Tomorrow
Why So Serious? An Upstander's Guide to the Power of Laughter
Big-Hearted Projects to Build Strong Character
DGT offers this collection of character-building projects and kindness-themed activities to make it easier for your family to act with purpose, build strong character, and strengthen your communities. Everyday family moments set the tone for the sort of people our children will become, making family time the ideal jumping-off point for big-hearted, character-building acts of kindness. Choose your favorite and get started with our conversation starters and video suggestions!
Tools to Raise an Ethical, Engaged Citizen
7 Steps to Hosting Your Family's Festival of Giving Holiday Party
Poetry Prompts for Random Acts of Word Play Kindness
Doing Good Together's “Care for Others” Package
In this unique time of social distancing and simplified schedules, Doing Good Together is here as always to support you and your family. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite projects for kitchen table kindness. These simple activities will empower your family to support one another and our local communities during this strange time. Plus, each of these projects engages kids in hands-on learning.
Raising Engaged Humans: A Book List for Big-Hearted Parents
At DGT we know that books give us the gift of perspective, a sense that we are not alone on this journey to raise empowered, engaged kids. The books we’ve gathered here offer
inspiration to try something new when the status quo isn’t working,
encouragement and hope at the end of a hard day, and
practical, doable ideas to help you raise kind, community-minded kids.