Ways to Build Compassion as a Family
Published on 06/05/20
Submitted by Vanessa Boykewich, ESS Clinician
Research shows that helping others can be a great way of improving our own moods, though we know that doing so during a pandemic can take a bit of creativity!
Ways to Build Compassion as a Family
• Decorate a box or jar to be a piggy bank for loose change, and decide where you will donate the money once it’s full
• Ask each other “Who have you helped today?” and “Who has helped you today?”- this can be a great daily or weekly habit!
• Research what food items a local food pantry is in need of, and add some to your grocery list
• Make “Thank you” cards for essential workers, or a thank you sign for your yard or window
• Make “Feel Better” cards for extended family members or friends that aren’t feeling their best physically or emotionally
• Ask each family member to identify one friend / classmate / neighbor that they haven’t spoken to since self-isolation began, then reach out and ask how they’ve been doing
• Gather clothes, sheets and towels to donate to people and animals in need
• Write positive and encouraging messages on notecards or post-its (each family member can make a few) and then hide them throughout the house to be found later!