Spiritual children are children that recognize the larger reality that surrounds us all. Whether your family calls this God, spirit, the universe or something else, it is that greater, more powerful something that exists within us but extends beyond us and connects us to all others. Teaching children the importance of sympathy is a vital step in raising spiritual children.
By definition, having sympathy for someone means: harmony of or agreement in feeling, as between persons or on the part of one person with respect to another. “Feeling sorry” for someone, then, does not constitute sympathy for another and telling your children that you feel “sorry” for others is probably not the best approach in nurturing your children's feelings of connectedness to the rest of the world. Rather, model compassion for your children through good works; volunteering, helping a neighbor in need, saving an animal from a shelter (or anywhere!), respecting senior citizens, and, perhaps most important of all, withholding judgment of others who appear different from us. I'm sure everyone has heard the overuse of the word "hobo" to describe homeless people. I've told my kids why the term is derogatory and that they should refrain from using it.
People make mistakes and people make bad choices. Often, these things land them in dire circumstances like homelessness and poverty. Conversely, these conditions may have simply befallen them. Additionally, no matter what the reason everyone deserves a second chance. Remind your children that no matter what, we are all connected and equal upon the earth regardless of appearances. This is the best way to develop their spiritual nature.
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