Chapter 8. Empathetic Kids Stick Their Necks Out
8th EMPATHY HABIT: Promoting moral courage to embolden kids to speak out, step in
and help others Corresponds to pages 169 to 190 in Unselfie
1. Which parenting styles curtail or strengthen children’s moral courage? How does over-rescuing or a helicopter style impede? What is your style? If you are in a rescue mode, how might you step back?
2. The story of Rocky Lyon (pg 178) describes how a parent helped her child find his inner hero. How are you helping your child develop moral courage? What else might you do (pg 180)?
3. Which of the five reasons curtails your child and peers from helping bullied peers (pg 172)? What can parents do so kids feel more comfortable coming to you or other adults for help?
4. What family courage ritual could you use to empower your child to face setbacks (pg 189)?
5. How can parents help children be more likely to step in to help or comfort others?
6. Kids need heroes to inspire their Moral Courage. Who are your child’s heroes?
7. Which books or films could help kids learn to stick their necks out for others (pg 188)? Are you interested in starting a book club (pg 188) with your child’s friends and parents?
8. Which moral courage builders might you use (pg 183-189) with your child? How could parents join forces to help children learn Upstander strategies?
Chapter 9. Empathetic Kids Want to Make a Difference
9th EMPATHY HABIT: Cultivating altruistic leadership abilities to motivate children to make
a difference for others and become Changemakers
Corresponds to pages 191 to 214 in Unselfie
9. Do you believe that empathy is something kids are born with or a trait that can be developed? How could that answer have a surprising impact on whether children become Changemakers? (pg 201).
10. Does your child (or you) believe that empathy is something you’re born with or something that can be developed? How can you use the steps (pg 201-202) to teach your child that empathy stretches?
11. Do you agree that fame-driven “heroes,” a materialistic world, and an over-helping parenting style can limit a child’s altruistic potential (pg 195-198)? What else can shortchange altruistic urges?
12. How might you use the Perlyn’s six steps (p 205) to help your child become a Changemaker?
13. What community resources might offer meaningful service opportunities for your child?
14. How might you use the eight strategies (pg 208-211) to help your child develop altruistic leadership?
15. How could you stretch your child’s comfort zone to include “different” experiences (pg 212)?
16. How can parents work together to raise kids who want to better the world?