In this fast-paced world that often prioritizes success and individual achievements, it can be easy to overlook the importance of cultivating kindness and compassion in our little ones. However, as parents, we hold the incredible power to shape young hearts into wellsprings of empathy and understanding. Welcome to a journey of discovery and guidance, where we will explore expert tips and tricks for nurturing kind hearts in our children. In this article, we invite you to step into a world where compassion reigns supreme, unveiling the secrets to fostering a child-parent relationship brimming with love, trust, and mutual understanding. So, let us embark on this transformative odyssey, hand in hand, as we unlock the perspectives and wisdom that will empower you to raise compassionate and empathetic children, ready to make a positive mark on the world around them.
The Power of Empathy: Fostering Compassion in Children from an Early Age
Empathy is a powerful skill that can shape a child’s character and ultimately contribute to a more compassionate society. As parents, it is our responsibility to nurture kind hearts in our children from an early age. By instilling empathy and compassion in them, we equip them with the tools necessary to connect with and understand the world around them. Here are some expert tips that can help you in parenting compassionate children:
- Lead by example: Children learn a great deal by observing their parents. Show them kindness, understanding, and empathy in your daily interactions. When they witness you helping others or showing compassion, they are more likely to follow suit.
- Encourage perspective-taking: Help your child see things from another person’s point of view. Encourage them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and consider how their actions may affect others. This simple exercise can promote empathy and compassion.
- Teach emotional literacy: Help your child recognize and understand their own emotions, as well as those of others. By teaching them to identify different feelings, you empower them to acknowledge and respond empathetically to the emotions of others.
- Promote acts of kindness: Encourage your child to engage in acts of kindness, such as sharing toys, comforting a friend, or helping someone in need. Applaud and acknowledge their efforts to foster a sense of fulfillment and reinforce compassionate behavior.
Remember, fostering compassion in children is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By following these expert tips, you can raise kind-hearted individuals who will make a positive impact on the world.
– Encourage emotional intelligence through open communication and active listening
Encouraging emotional intelligence in children is a crucial aspect of raising compassionate and empathetic individuals. One effective way to achieve this is through open communication and active listening. Creating an environment where children feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions allows them to develop important skills that help them navigate their relationships and the world around them. Engage in meaningful conversations with your child, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, fears, and dreams. Show genuine interest by actively listening, offering support, and validating their emotions. By modeling these behaviors, you empower your child to cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and understanding towards others. Remember, cultivating emotional intelligence takes time and practice, so be patient and consistent in your efforts.
– Teach the value of kindness by modeling empathy and compassion
Teach the value of kindness by modeling empathy and compassion
When it comes to nurturing kind hearts in our children, leading by example is by far the most powerful and effective approach. As parents, we have the extraordinary opportunity to shape our children’s understanding of empathy and compassion through our own actions. Remember, children are like sponges; they observe and absorb everything that happens around them. Here are some expert tips to help you model empathy and compassion:
- Show kindness and respect towards others, including family members, friends, and strangers. Let your child witness how you treat people with genuine care and consideration.
- Encourage your child to express their emotions, both positive and negative. Listen attentively and validate their feelings, helping them understand that it is important to be kind and understanding even when facing challenges.
- Involve your child in acts of kindness, either by volunteering together or doing small acts of kindness in your community. This will not only teach them the value of giving, but it will also provide them with firsthand experiences of the positive impact kindness can have on others.
- Teach your child to be mindful of their words and actions, reminding them that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their differences.
- Finally, provide opportunities for your child to practice empathy and compassion by discussing real-life situations, such as conflicts or difficulties their friends may be going through, and brainstorming ways to support and comfort them.
In a world that sometimes feels devoid of empathy, it is crucial to instill these qualities in our children from a young age. By modeling empathy and compassion, we not only shape them into compassionate individuals but also inspire them to carry these values forward into their own relationships and beyond.
– Promote kindness towards oneself to cultivate a foundation for caring for others
Teaching our children to be kind and compassionate individuals starts with fostering a strong sense of self-care and self-compassion. By nurturing kindness towards themselves, they can develop a solid foundation for caring for others. Here are expert tips to guide parents in raising empathetic children:
- Practice Self-Kindness: Encourage your child to treat themselves with kindness, patience, and understanding. Help them acknowledge their feelings, embrace their strengths, and practice self-care activities that bring them joy and tranquility.
- Model Compassionate Behavior: Children learn best by observing their parents’ actions. Show them what it means to be kind and compassionate towards yourself and others. Be mindful of your language, gestures, and reactions, ensuring they promote empathy and understanding.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Teach your child to appreciate the blessings in their life and acknowledge acts of kindness received. Encourage them to express gratitude through thank-you notes or small acts of kindness towards others.
- Encourage Self-Reflection: Help your child develop self-awareness by encouraging them to reflect on their emotions, actions, and the impact they have on others. This practice fosters empathy and helps them understand the importance of being kind and considerate towards others.
Remember, by promoting kindness towards oneself, we instill in our children the essential values needed to build a compassionate and caring society. By showing them how to cultivate self-compassion, we pave the way for them to demonstrate empathy towards others, making the world a better place, one kind-hearted child at a time.
Nurturing Empathy: Creating Opportunities for Perspective-Taking
Teaching empathy is an essential aspect of raising compassionate children who are able to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. Here are some expert tips for nurturing kind hearts and creating opportunities for perspective-taking:
- Lead by example: Children learn by observing and imitating their parents. Show empathy towards others in your daily interactions, whether it’s being kind to a neighbor or acknowledging someone’s feelings. Your child will learn from your actions and do the same.
- Encourage reflection: Help your child reflect on their own emotions and actions. Ask questions like, “How do you think that made your friend feel?” or “How would you feel if that happened to you?” This encourages them to consider other perspectives and develop empathy.
- Expose them to diversity: Exposing children to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences can help them understand and empathize with people who are different from them. Read books, watch movies, and visit places that celebrate diversity.
Tip | Description |
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Practice active listening | Show your child the importance of listening attentively and without interrupting when others are speaking. This helps them understand and connect with others’ emotions and perspectives. |
Engage in acts of kindness | Encourage your child to perform random acts of kindness, such as sharing toys with a sibling or helping a classmate. These acts foster empathy and teach the importance of being considerate towards others. |
Teach conflict resolution | Show your child how to resolve conflicts peacefully and find compromise. This empowers them to understand different points of view and empathize with others’ feelings during conflicts. |
Nurturing empathy in children is a continuous process that requires patience and consistent effort. By incorporating these practices into your parenting, you can help cultivate kind hearts and raise compassionate individuals.
– Engage children in diverse experiences to develop empathy and broaden understanding
In order to foster empathy and open-mindedness in children, it is crucial to engage them in diverse experiences from a young age. By exposing children to a variety of cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles, they will develop a broader understanding of the world around them and learn to appreciate and respect differences. Here are some expert tips to help parents nurture kind hearts and raise compassionate children:
- Encourage curiosity: Encourage your child to ask questions and explore different ideas. Foster their natural curiosity by providing them with books, toys, and activities that represent diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Create opportunities for cultural exchange: Engage in activities that allow your child to interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This could include attending cultural festivals, visiting museums, or even hosting exchange students.
- Teach acceptance and inclusivity: Help your child understand the importance of accepting others for who they are and appreciating the beauty of diversity. Teach them to be inclusive by promoting positive interactions, encouraging empathy, and discouraging stereotypes or biases.
Activity: | How it can foster empathy: |
Volunteering at a local shelter or community center | Exposing children to people from diverse backgrounds who may be experiencing challenging circumstances. |
Reading books with diverse characters and themes | Helping children relate to characters from different backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding. |
Traveling to different countries or regions | Exposing children to different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, expanding their understanding of the world. |
By actively engaging children in diverse experiences, we can help them develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion, enabling them to become caring and understanding individuals who make a positive impact on the world around them.
– Encourage discussions about others’ perspectives to foster empathy and reduce prejudice
In order to raise compassionate children, it is crucial to encourage discussions that allow them to see the world from different perspectives and develop empathy towards others. One effective strategy is to create a safe and inclusive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their opinions and asking questions. This can be done by organizing regular family discussions where everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences. Encourage your child to listen actively and attentively to what others have to say, teaching them the importance of respecting and valuing diverse viewpoints. To further nurture empathy, engage in activities that promote understanding and reduce prejudice, such as reading books or watching movies that depict different cultures, races, or religions. Additionally, encourage your child to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, whether it be through community events, volunteering, or connecting with pen pals. By actively involving them in these experiences, children learn that stereotypes and prejudice can be challenged, and that differences should be celebrated. Remember, fostering empathy and reducing prejudice is an ongoing process, so be patient and consistent in your efforts to instill these values in your child.
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– Promote acts of kindness towards marginalized groups to encourage compassion
In our rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever to raise children who understand the value of kindness and empathy towards marginalized groups. By instilling these qualities at an early age, we can not only shape compassionate individuals but also promote a more inclusive society. Here are some expert tips to help you nurture kind hearts in your children:
Celebrate Diversity
- Encourage your child to interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures, promoting understanding and acceptance.
- Expose them to books, movies, and artwork that feature diverse characters and stories.
- Teach them about various celebrations and holidays celebrated by different groups, fostering respect and appreciation for diversity.
Lead by Example
- Show through your actions how to treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status.
- Volunteer together as a family in organizations that support marginalized communities, reinforcing the importance of empathy and helping others.
- Have open conversations about the challenges faced by marginalized groups and the importance of advocating for equality.
Encourage Acts of Kindness
- Teach your child the power of small acts of kindness, such as helping someone in need or standing up against bullying.
- Highlight examples of kindness towards marginalized groups in the media or stories, inspiring them to follow suit.
- Encourage your child to identify ways they can make a positive impact in their community, fostering a sense of agency and compassion.
Remember, promoting acts of kindness towards marginalized groups is a continuous process that requires patience and guidance. By embracing diversity and empathy, we can raise a generation of compassionate children who will contribute to a brighter and more inclusive future.
Building Kindness through Acts of Service: Practical Ways to Foster Empathy
Teaching our children empathy and kindness is one of the most crucial lessons we can impart as parents. As they grow and navigate the complexities of the world, having a compassionate heart will not only benefit them personally but also contribute to building a harmonious society. So, how can we foster empathy in our children? Here are some expert tips to nurture kind hearts and raise compassionate children:
- Lead by example: Children learn by observing. Show them acts of kindness, and they will internalize it as a virtue.
- Encourage volunteer work: Engage your kids in age-appropriate volunteer activities. It could be helping at a local shelter or participating in community clean-up events where they can interact with people from various backgrounds.
- Cultivate gratitude: Teach your children the value of gratitude by encouraging them to express appreciation regularly. Create a gratitude jar where they can write down things they are thankful for, fostering a positive outlook.
- Practice active listening: Show your child that their feelings and thoughts are important by actively listening and validating them. This teaches them to be empathetic towards others and be attentive to their needs.
- Read books about empathy: Choose age-appropriate books that highlight empathy and discuss the storyline together. This not only strengthens your bond but also helps them understand different perspectives.
Remember, fostering empathy is an ongoing process. By incorporating these practices into your daily lives, you are sowing the seeds of kindness that will flourish within your children and positively impact the world around them.
– Foster volunteerism in children to build their understanding of others’ needs
Foster volunteerism in children to build their understanding of others’ needs
Nurturing kind hearts in children is essential in raising compassionate individuals who empathize and support others. Encouraging volunteerism at an early age is a powerful way to cultivate this quality. Here are some expert tips to foster volunteerism in your children:
- Lead by example: Children learn best by observing their parents. Engage in volunteer activities yourself and demonstrate the joy and fulfillment it brings. They’ll be inspired to follow suit.
- Choose age-appropriate activities: Find volunteer opportunities that align with your child’s interests and capabilities. This will ensure they remain engaged and enjoy the experience.
- Motivate through storytelling: Share stories of people who have benefited from the kindness of others. Narratives have a powerful impact on children, sparking their empathy and desire to make a difference.
Volunteering not only benefits the community but also enhances a child’s personal growth and understanding of the world. It instills values like gratitude, kindness, and empathy, helping them develop into compassionate individuals. Start fostering volunteerism in your children today and witness the positive impact it has on their lives.
– Encourage daily acts of kindness, such as sharing, helping, and expressing gratitude
Nurturing Kind Hearts: Expert Tips for Parenting Compassionate Children
Fostering kindness and compassion in children is a crucial aspect of their development. As parents, it is our responsibility to instill these qualities in our little ones. Encouraging daily acts of kindness, such as sharing, helping others, and expressing gratitude is a wonderful way to nurture their kind hearts. When children actively engage in acts of kindness, they not only contribute to making the world a better place but also experience the joy of making a positive impact on others.
Here are some expert tips to inspire your child to practice kindness in their daily lives:
- Lead by Example: Children learn best by observing their parents. By displaying kindness in your own words and actions, you are setting a powerful example for them to follow.
- Create Opportunities for Kindness: Provide your child with various opportunities to be kind, both within the family and in the larger community. This could be as simple as asking them to share a toy with a sibling or encouraging them to help their classmates with their schoolwork.
- Express Gratitude: Teach your child the importance of expressing gratitude for the kindness they receive from others. Encourage them to say “thank you” and write thank-you notes to show appreciation.
- Discuss Empathy: Help your child develop empathy by talking about the feelings and perspectives of others. This will enable them to understand different emotions and encourage them to be considerate and caring.
Remember, cultivating kindness is an ongoing process, and it starts with small daily acts that gradually become an integral part of your child’s personality. By nurturing their kind hearts, we can raise a generation of compassionate individuals who contribute positively to society.
– Instill the importance of considering the impact of actions on others
Creating compassionate and empathetic children begins with instilling the value of considering the impact of their actions on others. Teaching children to be mindful of how their words and behaviors affect those around them not only fosters empathy but also helps build strong and meaningful relationships. Here are some expert tips to help you nurture kind hearts in your children:
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Lead by example: Children are great observers, and they learn a lot by watching their parents. Model empathy and compassion in your daily interactions with others, whether it’s by helping a neighbor or engaging in acts of kindness. Your actions speak louder than words!
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Encourage reflection: After a disagreement or a negative interaction, encourage your child to reflect on how their actions might have made the other person feel. Prompt them to think about alternative ways they could have approached the situation to minimize any hurt or discomfort caused.
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Foster perspective-taking: Help your child understand that everyone has their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Teach them to imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes and consider how they would feel if the tables were turned. This helps develop their ability to empathize with others.
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Praise compassion: Recognize and celebrate acts of compassion your child demonstrates. Praise them when they show kindness towards others or exhibit empathy in challenging situations. Positive reinforcement encourages and reinforces these positive behaviors.
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Practice active listening: Teach your child the importance of actively listening to others. Encourage them to pay attention, ask clarifying questions, and show genuine interest in other people’s perspectives and feelings. This helps develop their ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
By implementing these tips into your parenting approach, you are laying the foundation for your child to grow into a compassionate and considerate individual, making a positive impact on the world around them. Remember, nurturing kind hearts requires patience, consistency, and an ongoing commitment to helping your child understand the importance of considering the impact of their actions on others.
Cultivating a Culture of Compassion: Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being
Creating a nurturing environment that fosters compassion in children is a vital aspect of their emotional well-being. As parents, we all strive to raise kind-hearted individuals who empathize with others and spread love and support throughout their lives. Here are some expert tips that can help you guide and encourage your children along this compassionate path:
- Lead by Example: Children learn best by observing the behavior of their parents and caregivers. Demonstrate empathy, kindness, and compassion in your daily interactions, whether it is helping a neighbor, volunteering for a cause, or simply lending an ear to a friend.
- Encourage Acts of Kindness: Foster a culture of giving by encouraging your children to perform small acts of kindness. This could be as simple as sharing toys, helping a sibling with homework, or writing a thank-you note for someone who showed them kindness.
- Promote Emotional Intelligence: Teach your children to recognize and understand their own emotions, as well as the feelings of others. Help them develop emotional intelligence by actively listening to their concerns, validating their emotions, and teaching them problem-solving skills.
- Practice Active Empathy: Teach your children to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and see the world from their perspective. Encourage them to ask questions, show genuine interest, and truly listen when others are sharing their experiences or struggles.
Cultivating a culture of compassion starts with small, consistent efforts. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and instilling kindness and empathy in your children is an ongoing journey. Celebrate their efforts, reinforce positive behavior, and watch as their compassionate hearts continue to grow.
– Teach emotional resilience and coping strategies to help navigate challenging situations
In today’s fast-paced and often unpredictable world, it is crucial to equip our children with the necessary skills to navigate challenging situations with emotional resilience and grace. As parents, we play a vital role in nurturing kind hearts and teaching our children how to cope effectively when faced with adversity. Here are some expert tips to help you guide your children towards becoming compassionate individuals who are equipped to handle life’s challenges:
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Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment. By fostering open communication, you can help them develop the skills to verbalize their emotions and seek support when needed.
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Teach empathy: Empathy is the cornerstone of compassion. Encourage your child to consider how others may be feeling in different situations. Engage in conversations about empathy, and ask them to think about how they would feel if they were in someone else’s shoes.
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Practice active listening: Show your child that their thoughts and feelings matter by actively listening to them. This means giving them your undivided attention, maintaining eye contact, and validating their emotions. By modeling active listening, you teach them the importance of being present and supportive when others need to talk.
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Explore coping strategies: Introduce your child to various coping strategies that can help them manage stress and navigate challenging situations. These can include deep breathing exercises, journaling, mindfulness techniques, or engaging in creative outlets such as art or music.
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Reinforce positive self-talk: Help your child develop a positive mindset by teaching them to replace negative self-talk with self-affirming statements. Encourage them to focus on their strengths, celebrate small victories, and remind them that making mistakes is a natural part of growth.
By implementing these strategies in your parenting approach, you can help foster emotional resilience and compassion in your child. Remember, the journey towards nurturing kind hearts is an ongoing process, and by providing a strong foundation, you are shaping them into individuals who will make a positive impact in the world around them.
– Create a safe and inclusive environment where children feel comfortable expressing emotions
Creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their emotions is crucial for their emotional development and well-being. It also plays a significant role in fostering compassion and empathy in children. Here are some expert tips to help you build such an environment and raise compassionate children:
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Encourage open communication: Create a space where your child feels safe to express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or punishment. Encourage open and honest communication by actively listening to their feelings and thoughts, validating their emotions, and providing a non-judgmental environment to share.
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Teach emotional intelligence: Help your child understand and label their emotions effectively. Talk about different emotions and their causes, and teach them how to regulate and express their emotions in a healthy way. This will enable them to develop empathy towards others and understand the emotional experiences of those around them.
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Lead by example: Children learn best through observation, so be a role model for them in expressing emotions constructively. Show them that it is okay to feel and express a wide range of emotions by verbalizing your own feelings in a healthy and respectful manner. By doing so, you are teaching them valuable emotional skills they can apply in their own lives.
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Foster a supportive community: Encourage your child to create meaningful connections with others and build positive relationships. Provide opportunities for them to engage in activities where they can collaborate, share, and empathize with their peers. This will contribute to creating a sense of belonging and a supportive community where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions.
Remember, creating an environment that values emotions and promotes compassion takes time and effort. By implementing these tips, you are not only fostering emotional intelligence but also nurturing kind hearts in your children, preparing them to make a positive impact in the world.
– Offer opportunities for children to practice compassion through conflict resolution and peer mediation
Offer opportunities for children to practice compassion through conflict resolution and peer mediation
One effective way of nurturing kind hearts in our children is by providing them with opportunities to practice compassion through conflict resolution and peer mediation. By teaching children how to navigate conflicts peacefully, we equip them with valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Here are some expert tips to help parents facilitate this process:
- Encourage open communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings and concerns. Foster active listening skills by encouraging them to understand others’ perspectives as well.
- Teach empathy: Help your child understand the feelings and emotions of others. Encourage them to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and consider how their actions might impact others.
- Model conflict resolution: Be a role model for your child by demonstrating healthy ways to resolve conflicts. Showcase effective communication, compromise, and problem-solving strategies.
- Provide guidance: When conflicts arise, guide your child in finding peaceful resolutions rather than imposing solutions. Encourage them to brainstorm ideas, consider alternatives, and find mutually agreeable outcomes.
- Facilitate mediation: Create opportunities for your child to mediate conflicts among their peers. This could be organizing group activities where conflicts might arise, such as sharing toys or taking turns. Teach them how to listen, mediate, and help parties find common ground.
Remember, compassion and conflict resolution are skills that require practice. By offering children these opportunities, we can develop their capacity for empathy, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
Closing Remarks
As we come to the end of our journey, a journey of discovery and enlightenment, we hope you have found these expert tips on nurturing compassionate children both insightful and inspiring. Remember, cultivating kindness in our little ones is not just a fleeting moment or a one-time lecture; it is a lifelong commitment.
We have explored the power of leading by example, teaching our children compassion through our own actions and reactions. We have delved into the importance of open communication, encouraging empathy by acknowledging and validating their emotions. And we have uncovered the wonders of exposing our children to diverse perspectives, helping them understand the beauty of different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
But let us not forget that this journey is much more than mere instruction—it is an art. It requires patience, understanding, and a genuine connection with our children. As we embark on this endeavor, let us always remember to embrace our little ones with open arms, creating a safe and loving space for them to flourish and grow.
Through the ebbs and flows of life, we shall encounter moments of triumph and moments of challenge. Yet, with unwavering dedication and a sprinkle of optimism, we can guide our children towards a future where kindness prevails. Let us be their guiding light as they navigate the complexities of this world, empowering them to make a positive impact on the lives they touch.
Together, hand in hand, let us foster an unbreakable bond between parent and child, built on a foundation of trust and compassion. For it is through this unbreakable bond that we can shape and mold the souls of our children, nurturing their kind hearts and guiding them towards a future filled with tolerance, empathy, and love.
So now, dear readers, as you embark on your own parenting journey, may these expert tips serve as a constant reminder of the infinite potential within your child. Together, let us create a generation of compassionate beings, spreading love and understanding far and wide.
Remember, life’s greatest teachers are often the smallest among us. Let us embrace this incredible responsibility we have been given, for it is through the gentle nurturing of kind hearts that we shall shape a better world.