Counselor,

Kimberly White

Caring is being kind, helpful, and generous to everyone.  Caring people are not selfish; they are considerate because they consider how their conduct affects others as well as how others feel.  Caring people are forgiving, and they do good deeds without expectation of reward.

Parent tips:

1. The best way to teach caring is to show caring.  Spend time with your child-be affectionate, encouraging, appreciative, and patient.

2.  Caring often involves elements of friendship and loyalty.  Be sure your child knows the limits of loyalty when a friend tries to get him or her to do something wrong.

3.  Encourage your child to make small gifts to show caring and love to relatives and friends.

4.  Help your children develop empathy by discussing how others feel and encourage them to express how they feel.

More activities for parents and children:

1.  Read Aesop's Androcles and the Lion and discuss how Androcles and lion care about each other.

2.  Clean out closets with your child to find clothes and toys to give to charity.  Explain to your child that there are people who have less than you do and that caring people share what they have with the less fortunate.  Let your child pick out some toys to give away.

3.  Help your child write get-well notes and letters to people who are ill.  Take your child to visit elderly relatives or friends to show that you care.