This is a brief post, since I'm now a day behind! Yesterday was a bit hectic but I hope to stay on track now (smile). Anyway, this topic is one that I think of often; especially when I read about children committing, or attempting, suicide. Empathy us nothing and the benefits from it can be far-reaching. According to Dictionary.com, empathy is the "identification and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives." The current mindset of many people is that "different" is bad, it is something to be made fun of and, or, despise. Some of the same people, with this mindset, are raising children who go to school and see the differences of others and begin to bully and belittle the "different" kids. Now we have
8 year olds jumping from buildings and
11 year olds hanging themselves because the constant bullying is too much for them to deal with! I know that being picked on is something that happens in life, heck, I've experienced it, but every child handles stress differently. Expecting all kids to "grin and bear it" or "suck it up and deal" is unfair. While it is important to teaching kids that there are healthy ways to deal with the stresses they face, it is also important to teach kids that "different" isn't bad...it's just different. We have to teach kids how to look at the things that make us all different and simply understand those differences. Kids are dealing with so many things, so many adversities; we have to reduce these stresses as much as possible. Teaching empathy can enrich and save the lives of our children.
Great post. Every child does handle stress differently - and I really like your take on the subject.
ReplyDeletebtw, may I suggest you alter your colours? I find it really glarey to read ... it's a bit hard on the eyes! Please don't take offense! I love colours too, but I really want to keep coming back to your blog. I just think for blogs it's an easier read if you have light background and dark text. :)
It's a hard life these days for children, there are so many things to learn, things are being talked about today that wasn't even mentioned when I was a child. I enjoyed your post very much.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Yvonne.
Hi T.A.A. =)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and commenting! I've been thinking about changing the color scheme (and a few other things) for my blog, so you've confirmed my ideas. No offense taken, at all!
Good morning Yvonne,
You're absolutely right; kids are dealing with much more than what even I had to at that age. I think that it is important to change with the times. While "bullying" was something that was simply apart of life; kids would tease and that was it. Nowadays, it seems extremely mean-spirited and more difficult to deal with on top of everything else. Thanks again for commenting!
May you both,T.A.A. and Yvonne, have an awesome day!
bc
I'm sure it's tougher than ever being a kid these days. Peer pressure is brutal. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I unfortunately know of a few kids in the exact situation you describe.... I have a really difficult time understanding why kids bully other kids -- even though I know the whole "those kids do it to make themselves feel better"... my heart just can't grasp why. Teaching empathy and understanding is definitely something that needs to be brought into the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa and Melody,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting and sharing your view of this topic. Teaching children how to be empathetic can not only help them manage their behavior at a young age, but it is just as important later in life. So many conflicts would be avoided, as adults, if we all took the time to understand the other person and his or her situation.
bc