Re: empathy, scripting, the gift of our children

[Guest guest]

Pets are great for lessons. Our cat is fairly robust and tolerant in

personality. When we first got him (as an older kitten, so not too fragile, but

not to set in his ways), I caught my son carrying him around by the hind legs

(fortunately the cat was rather tolerant and didn't seem upset hanging upside

down!). I was rather horrified, but instead of scolding him, used it as an

opportunity to teach him how to carry our cat appropriately. He never carried

that cat like that again. He also loved the book all cats have aspergers and

there are many lessons in caring for our pets eg feeding them eg when he

protests, " but I don't want to feed them every day " . I say, " but I have to feed

you everyday, even if i don't feel like it "

My son woke our lizard up from hibernation the other day (which I felt irritated

about, but tried not to let my irritation show through). again, I used explain

why he needed to hibernate and digging him out of his bark might be so stressful

to him that he could die (not sure if that was exaggerating or not, but he is

more mindful not to upset the lizard)

I think the key for lessons on empathy is to do it calmly, without emotion

(ironically), otherwise they shut down

Miranda

> It can be something simple like your cat is still recovering from

> hurting her paw. She needs this nap to help heal. So, don't go

> over there and wake her up.