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The value of compassion is a topic of increasing discussion in social organizations, workplace and schools. What distinguishes humans from machines—and from many other species, for that matter—is compassion. It makes it possible for us to relate to and understand the experiences of others. It is also the source of our compassion. It makes sense, then, that it is such a key social experience of childhood and education. However, compassion is a skill that can be developed. It is best learned in childhood, like most things.
Cheang et al. (2019) say the following: Social behavior includes kindness and compassion, which can help children and adolescents develop healthy connections and be more accepted by their peers. (p.1765) Kindness, which most parents want to develop in their children, is created by compassion. Children who have stronger compassion are more likely to act as strong bystanders—that is, they are more likely to defend someone outside of their social group from abuse. When a child lacks the courage to defend himself after being abused or alone at school, this type of courage might change their life. We can also be happier when we have compassion. Stronger connection to others and deeper, more lasting relationships are shared by compassionate people.
“The importance of compassion in ECE settings is both timely and timeless.” (Lipponen et al., 2018, p.172). Children’s ability to express comfort and concern for the pain of others is an important sign of their compassion. A kind child is frequently more kind. The foundation of kindness in a child’s heart is compassion, which also promotes a child’s healthy personality development. Compassion is a very important emotion in a child’s personality and it is also the foundation for a child to become kind. In order to develop kindness in your child, you must first allow him to feel a little compassion for other people and things and to view them with kindness and friendliness. From birth, children get a variety of emotions, and while compassion can be natural, it gradually decreases as children get older.
References
Cheang, R., Gillions, A., & Sparkes, E. (2019). Do mindfulness-based interventions increase empathy and compassion in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28, 1765-1779.
Lipponen, L., Rajala, A., & Hilppö, J. (2018). Compassion and emotional worlds in early childhood education. In Early childhood education and change in diverse cultural contexts (pp. 168-178). Routledge.
I found Sunnie’s remarks really interesting. While she does not address this particular issue, her entry makes me wonder about the way in which children will face compassion in a world guided by AI. Sunni mentioned the relevance of standing up for oneself and how the compassion of bystanders can nurture such self confidence. But what about the impact of digital life? Does a person suffering from bullying online notice support of bystanders? Does AI promote or deters self confidence?
I believe that the world new generations are facing presents unseen challenges. It falls in us, previous generations, to teach them how to protect themselves. Still, this is something that should be based in example and not just in theoretical knowledge.
Interesting blog Sunnie. I like how you have connected compassion and it’s development from childhood. Indeed, in a world where people are just concerned about themselves, if children are taught to take stand for others they become strong individuals. Not only are they kind to people around them but also have self-compassion and common humanity. You mentioned, as children grow, compassion decreases. I am wondering what can we do to instill compassion and kindness in our children from a young age that stays instead of diminishing as life goes by?
I agree that it is important to teach children at a young age skills to increase compassion. As you stated, it can improve relationships with others. Perhaps it can reduce bullying and increase resilience against whatever life throws at us. I am not sure that compassion decreases as children get older. What if educators design curriculum to enhance these skills as children mature? Having compassionate children to become compassionate youth can lead to a compassionate society 🙂