Teach Them Not To Judge

I know I know, in today's society it is so hard not to judge. We like to think we don't do it but most of us do. I pride myself on not judging in color, sex, creed, religion ect but you put a republican on the TV and all of a sudden I'm mister know it all and have figured them all out. Take a minute and think of who you might judge... go a head.. I'll wait. Is it a political party? Is it a celebrity? Is it a friend that makes bad choices? If you don't have a judgmental bone in your body then more power to you, but for most of us it's something that we struggle with. The whole point is to TRY. You have to try your hardest to not judge others in front of your children. If someone comes on the TV that drives you nuts, show your child that you can show compassion. Wish the person well, say something nice about them even if you have to reach really far to do it.

   My kids have been on a compassionate diet since they were babies. When Zach was around 3 or 4 and we would be in the grocery store he would see someone with meat in their cart and would immediately begin confronting them saying "Why are you buying that?" or "You shouldn't eat meat" I realized then that it was time to teach him the difference in believing in something and judging others for not believing the same thing. I had the talk with him about how we live in a beautiful country where people are allowed to make their own choices and if other people don't make choices that are what we feel is right, then that is THEIR choice. There was naturally a bit of confusion because we taught them about animal rights and a healthy diet and how it was the right way to live. I had to explain that it was right for US and that if people asked him about why we don't eat meat it was completely fine to explain why but that he shouldn't judge others.

   I am amazed all the time at how much my 2 oldest want to help others. They want to pick up trash if they see it on the road. They don't think of anyone different if they have a different skin color. They do everything they can to make people feel comfortable and happy. I truly believe that hatred is taught, and that lesson begins with judgment. Neo-Nazi's don't grow up in loving households void of judgment. Now I'm only using that as an example to make a point but it happens to be the main point I'm trying to make. If you teach your child not to judge, to love his fellow man and animal, and to treat others the way they wish to be treated, you should have a good shot at having a compassionate kid.

    Questions To Ask Yourself:
1. Do my political beliefs make me say things I shouldn't in front of my kids?

2. Is there someone in our life that my child has an opinion about because of things I say behind their back?

3. Do I practice the true expression of One Love in my daily life to the best of my abilities?