As a parent, I am constantly amazed by how many things are vying for my children's attention. We live in a culture that screams "me first," and it can be a significant challenge to raise children who are people of compassion rather than simply consumers of the culture.
For many years, my father served as the COO of a multi-site program for homeless individuals and families. Visiting him at his "office" meant going to the various shelters and spending time with the people he served. My mother faithfully worked alongside him at the program's women's shelter. My parents were and are living examples of what it means to be people of compassion who impact the culture rather than simply consuming it. Their example taught my brother and me to be participants in our community rather than spectators. It was not a one-time thing, or a once-in-a-while occurrence. It was a habit. A way of life.
It was a repetition of compassion.
Today, as a mother of three, I find myself constantly looking for ways in which to implement that repetition of compassion in my children's routines. Many times this takes a very simple form, as we pick up trash along the sidewalk or give a cold bottle of water to a construction worker on a hot day.
The actions are small, but the impact of the repetition of compassion on my children's heart is not. These small acts of compassion take their eyes - and mine - off of themselves, and focus them instead on the needs of those around them. It takes effort and intentionality at first, but as we begin to educate our children about how even the smallest action can impact others, a new paradigm is created - a paradigm of habitual compassion.
Philantroparent is defined as a parent a parent dedicated to exploring social consciousness with their family through philanthropy and service opportunities in the local and global community,” or, “a parent reframing their family life towards more volunteer opportunities to raise community-minded global citizens." (source: philanthroparent.com)
Famanthropy is defined as, "the practice of family philanthropy, where family members collectively use their interests and talents to serve and better their community." (source: philanthroparent.com)
“It is through the repetition of compassion that we build a socially conscious lifestyle.”
Ethic Kiddos wants to equip parents to be a Philanthroparent that leads a Famanthropy! We have created an entire line that will tangibly demonstrate the difference your kiddos can make in the lives of other kiddos around the world. Beyond purchasing a beautiful piece of jewelry, your kiddo will be afforded the unique ability to engage directly with the young artisans who made that jewelry. This will help you guide your child's intellectual connection between their actions and spending habits and the positive impact their purchase can have on another life.
In addition, we encourage you to explore our Parents Resource Page, where you will find creative ideas, activities, and talking points that will facilitate conversation with your kiddo about the positive impact their purchase made.
Our deepest goal is that Ethic Kiddos will inspire a new paradigm for your family, and especially your kiddos. We hope it will ignite discussion in your home about tangible ways to be socially conscious, and that those discussions will form the foundation for a lifetime of repetitive compassion.