Participation: Allow Little Matt to help you "blow the pain away". He can also get the band-aid out of the cabinet or the cotton-ball out of the container.

4. Teaching Compassion for Those In Need

Scenario: One of the local charities called and they're doing a big clothing drive. Mom and Dad start putting their old or unworn clothes into bags and marking them "Charity." Matt's Mom explains what she's doing. Matt's Dad tells his son that the clothes are going to people who need clothes but are unable to buy them.

Effect: Little Matt sees that his parents participate in giving to charity. He will likely want to join in and help the people in need as well.

Learning Moment: Matt's parents teach him that there are many children that rely on nice little boys and girls for toys, clothes, and household goods. While he may not like his Sesame Street Comforter Set anymore and he may not read his "board books" anymore, other little boys and girls may love them! What can he give away to help others?

Participation: Little Matt can take all his clothes from last year that no longer fit and put it in his own bag for charity. His parents tell him that his clothes are going to other little boys who will love everything Matt gives to them! They will be thinking, "thank you, Matt!"

Each time we take a moment to include our children in the process of giving to others and showing compassion to others, they learn valuable lessons about kindness and empathy that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Start early—start today!

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