As a person, I wish our world was much more compassionate towards all life around us. As a mother, I of course teach compassion to my children. Never, did I think there would be a time when it would be difficult. But I am struggling at times with my 3 1/2 year old son. For some reason, he is not very gentle with little insects.

Maybe you think insects are not a big deal. But for me, I don’t like to see this side in my son; That he wants to step on, or hurt someone so little. Why? Why would he want that?

I never let him, although it has happened when I’m not around. I always talk with him about how important it is to be extra nice when you are big, and how it is not easy to be little. There are times when I think he gets it.

How do other parents go about to teach their children to be gentle with all lives around us?

I always try to make my son connect with something familiar for himself, such as talking about families or friends. When he sees an ant, I tell him that the ant is looking for his mommy or his friend.

Last weekend, we went camping. Before we went to bed I took my son to the bathroom to shower and brush his teeth. We found two bugs in the bathroom and to my surprise he looked at them and wished them a good night before we walked back to our campsite.

It made me hopeful and motivated to keep teaching him my values. It is so nice to hear my son speak with such a sweet heart.