Compassion means showing kindness and care to others and also to yourself. It grows from our natural need to look after others. To practice compassion, clients use skills like empathy, understanding another’s view, and calming themselves when upset. Studies show that self-compassion is linked to lower anxiety and depression in youth, which makes it a protective factor for mental health.
The Compassion Worksheets inspire clients to care deeply for others and show kindness through words and actions. The Compassion in Action worksheet includes a checklist where clients can check which habits they already practice and pick three new ways to practice compassion during the week. The Practicing Compassion worksheet takes it further by letting them identify positive actions, reflect on various scenarios, and think of ways to respond kindly.
Completing these worksheets reminds kids and teens that compassion grows through consistent action. When starting feels difficult, they can focus on small habits, like giving someone their full attention when they speak or sending a positive message to brighten their day.
Caring adults can support this by encouraging self-compassion first, such as speaking kindly to themselves.
These worksheets pair well with our All About Compassion handout.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of Character Education worksheets.
References:
- Al-Ghabban, A. (2018). A compassion framework: The role of compassion in schools in promoting well-being and supporting the social and emotional development of children and young people. Pastoral Care in Education, 36(3), 176-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/02643944.2018.1479221
- Egan, S. J., Rees, C. S., Delalande, J., Greene, D., Fitzallen, G., Brown, S., Webb, M., & Finlay-Jones, A. (2021). A review of self-compassion as an active ingredient in the prevention and treatment of anxiety and depression in young people. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 49(3), 385-403. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-021-01170-2
- Gilbert, P. (2015). The evolution and social dynamics of compassion. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 9(6), 239-254. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12176
