Pre-event family discussion questions for Kids’ Compassion Project: A Precious Child – School Supplies & Clothing Drive

Prepared by Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd | (720) 507-8061 | http://drkerrymakinbyrd.com/

Note to parents and caregivers: Below we offer a few questions which we hope are the beginnings of family discussions about the upcoming Kids’ Compassion Project.

One way to foster compassion (in ourselves and our children) is to articulate and focus on the things we have in common with other people, especially between groups who may have very different experiences. There is also value to examining the ways that our experiences are different than those around us and how those differences may impact the way we see and interact with the world.

The Fill A Backpack program at A Precious Child supplies disadvantaged and displaced children with backpacks filled with school supplies to help them be prepared to succeed in school.

  • What do you think it means when A Precious Child says ‘disadvantaged or displaced children’?
  • What would school be like if you knew you didn’t have the supplies or clothes you needed?
    • How would you feel about school starting?
    • What kinds of things might you be thinking?
  • Are there times you feel scared or nervous about not having the things you’ll need to do something?
    • In those situation, what would help?
    • What would you hope someone did to help you?

Extending the conversation to gratitude and action

  • What are some things in your life that you feel grateful/happy/thankful for? (Parent tip: It’s useful to help your child be very specific here and help them think of examples across many domains such as material things, basic necessities, time for play and leisure, relationships, safe spaces, materials for hobbies and fun.)
  • How would your life (and our family’s life) be different if we didn’t have these things?
  • How can we help others who may not have some of the things that we have?
    • What could we do today?
    • What can we do in the future?

Post-event family discussion questions for Kids’ Compassion Project:  A Precious Child – School Supplies & Clothing Drive

There are opportunities to teach children compassion in almost every conversation you have. These lessons don’t need to be large, planned, or dramatic. While we are grateful that you joined this Kids’ Compassion Project event, your family’s ongoing compassion conversations may happen in much smaller, quieter ways. They can occur in the in-between moments, as you load the dishwasher at night or drive between events, and as the need arises, when your child has a conflict at school, or when you watch a homeless person cross the street. Compassion conversations have two guiding principles:

  • Aiming to understand another’s feelings, perspective, and struggle
  • A desire or commitment to help the other person

These general questions can take you a long way:

  • How would you feel in that person’s shoes?
  • What would you want help with?
  • How could we help?
  • What would you like to do next?