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How to teach kids to be helpful members of their community
Foster other-oriented values and ways of thinking
To raise good and helpful kids, constantly remind them to act in ways that will benefit the world around them.
Encourage them to be a positive influence on others and to help those in need.
Strive to raise empathic kids
A truly compassionate adult was most likely taught early in life that it is important to understand how other people feel.
This positive quality helps widen their emotional vocabulary and capacity.
Encourage frequent perspective taking
Kids who place themselves in the "shoes of others" are practicing perspective taking, which is the result of empathy.
This skill improves their ability to connect with others and it is best fostered as early as possible.
Teach them that their ethical attitude should match their behaviour
There will be times in life when our principles don't match our actions. But to raise a helpful kid, you must teach them never to give up on trying to achieve this balance.
At the end of the day, what's important is that kids develop a deep love and compassion for others and for the community they are growing up in, even in the simplest of ways.