Tips for Raising Considerate Children

It's that time of year again when we give thanks for our many blessings. We express our gratitude and many of us reach out to others in need in the spirit of giving. One day a year is nice, but how can we encourage our children to be more grateful, caring and considerate all year long?

Help encourage considerate behavior with these tips from the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, generously funded by The Children’s Trust:

Children demonstrate consideration for others when they:

• Listen
• Share and let others have a turn
• Ask what others would like to do
• Wait when others are busy
• Think about others' feelings
• Help others
• Are friendly and welcoming
• Help out at home

Parents can encourage consideration by doing the following:

• Modeling being considerate yourself. Children are sponges and they are very much aware of your behavior.
• Avoid criticizing others. Set an example and let them know that accepting others for who they are is important.
• Point out others’ good points. Focus on the positive.
• Provide opportunities to show caring. Thanksgiving or any other holiday is a great time to do this, but opportunities exist every day. Simply holding the door open for someone or saying "thank you" frequently will send a clear message.
• Praise your child for being kind or helpful. By recognizing and reinforcing their positive behavior, you are likely to see more of it.
• Ask your child about his or her feelings. Show your children that you care about them and that will encourage them to follow suit.
• Encourage your child to make amends. 
• Provide a consequence for inconsiderate or hurtful behavior. This is very important - but even more importantly, make sure you enforce that consequence in a calm and clear-headed manner.

Source - Triple P Positive Parenting Program