Listen for a Still, Small Voice

Questions about troubling events in the news, in the community, or at school are signs of your child's innate empathy and sense of justice. When you nurture their developing conscience, you activate a child's desire to engage in positive solutions. Here are some ways you can help a child find their "still, small voice."

In the story, "A Sea of Pink," kids push back at bullies in a powerful, non-violent way. Explore the Families insert in the Fall 2017 UU World Magazine for inspiration and concrete ideas for all ages to answer the call of love.

Download/print the Fall 2017 UU World Families pages.

Try the conscience-building activities and stories in Moral Tales, a Tapestry of Faith curriculum for grades 2-3. Session 2 introduces children to their inner voice that guides them toward choices that effect goodness and justice. The Buddhist story, "The Wise Teacher's Test," is relatable for age 7 and up. A useful Taking It Home handout is here.

Make a "Moral Compass" to display at home. Start a family practice of lifting up each member's righteous and compassionate deeds. This helps all ages understand how conscience shows up in everyday life choices.

Go to Talking Tree Books for worksheets, stories, coloring pages, and e-books on the concept of conscience for various age levels.

Read "The Moral Life of Babies" by Gareth Cook on the Scientific American website (November, 2013). The article describes how humans are "hard-wired" for empathy and explores the other capacities we must develop to become morally driven adults.

Activate kids' interest in taking action. Look at “7 Tips to Get Kids Started on Social Justice Projects,” by Dr. Michellle Borba, author of Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues That Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing.

Together with kids (8 and older), watch an entertaining, inspirational Kid President video from 2016, "Making Tough Choices." He says, "The choices we make, help make the world."

"Sometimes You're a Caterpillar"

A caterpillar learns how they can be an ally to their friend, a snail, in this fun animated video good for older elementary schoolers and up.

31 Ways to Change the World

This title teaches children (and adults!) that small, fun, everyday actions can add up to make a big difference in our world.

31 Ways to Change the World

Young Boy Says "No" to Octopus!

In this clip that went viral on social media, a mother patiently answers questions as her child discovers that the food on his plate used to be alive.