Teaching Empathy and Compassion

[Jenniffer]

Neat read on how to draw on the natural empathy that babies are designed to evoke in all of us :)

http://interspiritual.editme.com/SeattlesEmpathyMovement

"Though it’s just getting under way in 10 local [Seattle-area] schools, Roots of Empathy has an 11-year track record of reducing aggression and increasing empathy and social/emotional competence in schools all across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and now here."

[Tony]

29 percent sounds really low. Or I'm just remembering all my school years crammed together. While I was never bullied (for long), I can't say that I always stood up and helped others. I think I can say I never participated though.


empathy is an antidote for bullying, and bullying is now so widespread in schools (both public and private) that the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) calls it a “public health problem.” In a recent NICHD study, 29 percent of students—more than one out of four!—had been involved in bullying, either doling it out or sucking it up. And most of the time (as much as 85 percent), when bullying occurs, other students are standing around watching.

[RockCity]

Having been on the receiving end of bullying in school, I want better for my children. I believe that my oldest doesn't have it in her to do that and really doesn't have a mean bone in her body. Slimmy, lets just say, home schooling is the way to go. And when the time comes for him to go to public school, he will be prepared in more ways than one, superior intelligence, martial arts, good disposition, etc.