Show Me Character
Caring

Characteristics of Caring

• Be kind
• Be compassionate
• Express gratitude
• Forgive others
• Help people in need

Working with Children and Teens
Youngsters who want to get Mom or Dad a gift without spending money could make a book full of “caring coupons.” Think of caring acts that others appreciate and list these acts on the coupons.

Examples: one dishwashing job, yard work, extra house cleaning, keep TV/stereo off while others are sleeping, a hug and a kiss.

Pen Pals
Have children become pen pals with a group of youngsters in another country.

Role-playing Compassion
Ask children what compassion would look like if:

• Your dog was caught up in his leash
• Someone was sad because her father was sick and in the hospital
• Your mother seemed so tired after work
• A friend was confused about what a teacher said

Practicing Caring 1
Caring implies action, not just empty emotion. Caring people love, help, give and are kind. They are caretakers of people, pets, plants, possessions and even the planet. Caring people show their concern for others in an active way.

• Show kindness and compassion for others.
• Live by the Golden Rule.
• Think about what their decisions, word or actions will do to other people.
• Put concern for others into action.

Help your children learn to care for family members by making “caring coupons.” This is a great activity for young people of all ages because it costs no money and still is a special way to show family members they care. Have all family members think of caring acts that others appreciate and list these acts on the coupons.

Examples: one dishwashing job, yard work, extra house cleaning chores, keep TV/or loud music off while others are sleeping or washing a car.

Practicing Caring 2
Caring is at the heart of an ethical person’s character. It’s a guideline for how an ethical person relates to the world and its people. Make caring an action word, you can only truly care if you do something for others. A caring person is considerate, kind, compassionate and generous. That person always takes into account how decisions, words, and actions are going to affect other people.

Exercise
This month identify 2-3 people you think of as caring. Take a few minutes to interview each of these people to find out what motivates them. Ask who inspired them and who their heroes were when they were children and who they are now. After the interviews consider what you have learned and decide if this information can help you be a more caring person

Missouri 4-H youth development character education program is based on CHARACTER COUNTS®