Being part of a healthy community can bring an important sense of self worth for young people. I want my children to know that they inherently bring value to a community and space, and I also want them to appreciate and show gratitude for the value others bring as well.
Beyond Our Neighbors: A Curriculum for Expanding Empathy and Compassion to "Others"
How to Guard Against Raising a "Rescuer"
We don't want our children to start seeing the world as divided into "givers" and "receivers." To avoid this, remind your children that everyone needs help at times, that all of us have something to offer others – and that the world is simply a better place when we help one another out. These tips can help you raise kind, giving children while avoiding the sense of "rescuing" that can be an unintended consequence of serving others.