Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2019 | Page 13

Empathy: Consideration or thoughtfulness of others. Children are naturally self-centered and empathy is something that needs to be nurtured. This begins in the home by teaching children to appre- ciate things family members do for them. Encourage children to think of things they can do for others, to be thoughtful and to be kind. Something as simple as helping an elderly neigh- bor can have a big impact. Eventu- ally, the message will take hold and children will become aware that words and actions affect those around them. When empathy becomes a habit in the home, it remains throughout life. Honesty: Building block of sin- problems. It is not helpful to brush off little fibs because it only encour- ages bigger lies. Children love to test boundaries! Parents have good radar - when you suspect something is amiss you are pretty much on target and it should be addressed immediately. A home environment where respect, empathy and honesty are devel- oped and nurtured is one of the most important gifts a family can give a child. Bermuda’s etiquette consultant Trudy Snaith, is trained and certified by The Pro- tocol School of Washington, The American School of Protocol and the Institut Villa Pierrefeu (Switzerland). [email protected] * www.esop.bm * 295-8358. cerity and integrity. Like a crystal vase - once broken, the cracks are always there. People are not honest when they fear the consequences of the truth. It is my belief that a child needs to be secure in knowing that no matter how uncomfortable the truth is, you will always be there to support and help them figure out how to solve mybermudaparent.com 11