This Week in Preschool

David showed God’s love and did good by bringing food to his brothers.
1 Samuel 17:12-20

BIBLE VERSE:
“Do not forget to do good”  Hebrews 13:16

Dear Preschool Parents,

This week our story will help the kids realize that they are needed to help their family. Our lesson is about David and the simple task He had to accomplish that met a significant need. David's father asked Him to take food to his brothers who had been away for some time. Sometimes we think doing good things means to do something that changes the lives of millions of people for the good. But bringing food to one hungry person is a very good thing. God sees these simple good acts, and is pleased with our expressions of care for others.

Every interaction you have with your child they go away with an attitude, an understanding, a feeling. Simple acts of love, kindness, and patience have lasting effects - sometimes reaching even people you may never see. Teach your child about who God is, teach with more than words; teach with the good deeds of your life!

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10
 
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

"Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:31

Praying for your family,
Melanie Ekblad
Nursery Preschool Director

We all hope our children will grow up to be kind, gracious individuals who leave a positive legacy. But can we be proactive in raising empathetic children?  The capacity for empathy exists in all of us. Infants cry or make happy sounds in response to another baby’s noises. Kids as young as two or three often attempt to comfort another child or a parent. Successful empathy must include helping kids understand others’ feelings and equipping them to act when they see a need they can meet.

Here are some practical ways to teach empathy:

• Use books (and other media) to spark discussions about characters’ behaviors, choices and motivations. Ask open-ended questions, like “Why do you think he behaved that way?” or “How did the choice she made impact other people?”
• Help kids verbalize their own feelings so they can learn to recognize others’ emotions.
• Urge children to focus on similarities with others before pointing out differences.
• Role-play. Encourage children to put themselves in someone else’s shoes.
• Familiarize kids with the unknown to diffuse fear and rejection of others. Have a handicapped person demonstrate his artificial limb. Ask a person from another culture to explain his heritage, native traditions or clothing.
• Attribute positive traits to children. “I’ll bet you helped Suzie because you’re such a kind person who likes to help others.”
• Empower children by helping them realize they can bring joy or aid to someone else.
• Praise good behavior and show your disappointment over bad choices — but focus on the act rather than the child.
• Include positive role models in kids’ lives whenever possible. Teach them about godly missionaries, humanitarians and famous philanthropists.
• Cultivate responsibility by expecting children to help around the house and show good manners. Parents, There is no single greater way to teach empathy than by example. 
• Show compassion to others. Take someone a meal or speak kindly to the grocery store clerk.
• Assume the best about other people or their intentions.
• Resolve conflict respectfully, whether it’s with a spouse, a child or a friend.
• Demonstrate responsibly in areas like showing moderation and honoring your commitments.
• Practice patience in your everyday activities, such as driving, standing in line, or dealing with kids.
• Apologize to your children when you’ve done something wrong. They’ll learn its OK to say “I’m sorry.”
• Speak and act with gentleness.

God alone is the root of all empathy. The Bible tells us he is the “source of all comfort” and the One who gives us the ability to comfort others (II Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT)

Christ — the perfect example of compassion —

• drew from His relationship with the Source of empathy.
• was always motivated by love for humanity.
• didn’t judge, condemn, or consider whether people were “worthy” to receive His aid.
• met physical and emotional needs as well as spiritual ones.
• never worried how He would look by helping, but focused on the person in need.
• took the time to understand others’ backgrounds, hopes and fears.