Helping Develop Sensitivity in Kids

Helping kids develop sensitivity to others is easier than you might think. A large portion of it has to do with helping them look outside of themselves to their surroundings, which can be accomplished while traveling by playing games. Remember the ABC Game where you have to find letters in words on signs and billboards while driving to family vacation? We do!

There are similar games out there which another great article from the Parenting Institute outlines. Here is an excerpt:

Children are naturally self-centered. But to become good students and caring, sensitive people, they must learn to see and think of others’ feelings and needs.

To help your child become more aware of things outside herself:

• Play “The Noticing Game.” Do this when you’re traveling or at an unfamiliar place. Without a warning, ask your child to close and cover her eyes. See how well she can describe the room or scene. Let her initiate the game with you another time.
• Put yourselves in pictures. Find pictures in magazines of diverse situations. Take turns looking at a picture and describing how the people in it might feel. Start at the physical level. Imagine what people in the picture see and hear. Are they cold or warm? Then imagine how they feel emotionally.
• Look and listen for needs. Have family members notice the people in need they see throughout the day. Talk about how each of you can help.

If your child sees a friend who is discouraged, she could offer support. If she has a classmate who is insecure, she could give a compliment. If she sees a child at school who seems lonely, she could take time to talk. She could include that child in activities. Praise your child for making an effort to help those in need.

So get out there and try one of these or find other ways to bring out your child’s kindness and compassion. Things like serving in your community or volunteering at a soup kitchen as a family. Also you could try one of our neurofeedback services for: Motivation Issues, Sensory Processing, or Social Disorders.