How to Foster Empathy in Your Child

Empathy is an important skill to have, and it’s one that doesn’t always come to us naturally. Children especially struggle with not only seeing the world from another’s perspective, but also acting in ways that show they care. Fortunately, there are ways you can help. Here are tips for helping children in different age groups develop empathy: 

Elementary-Aged Children

The best thing you can do to help your younger child become more empathetic is to model the behavior. Show them what empathy can look like and how they can use it in their own lives. Demonstrate kindness and understanding in daily interactions with your child. Talk about how you considered the other person’s perspective and feelings before taking action. 

Point out examples in media, after watching a movie or reading a book together. Seeing empathy and its impacts in various situations will help your child understand how important it is. When your child demonstrates empathy, recognize it by praising them and letting them know what they did right. 

Pre-Teens

While young children have a rudimentary understanding of feelings, pre-teens might be ready to have deeper conversations about them. Now is a good time to start talking about the more complicated emotions they find themselves feeling and how to navigate them. Watch age-appropriate movies or news together and analyze characters’ motives and feelings. Talk about how they relate to real-life situations. 

This is a good time to talk about bullying, too, and how your child can stand up for others. Another way to help your pre-teen become more empathetic is through age-appropriate volunteer opportunities. After the volunteering experience, ask how they feel, and talk about how their actions have impacted others. 

Teens

The teenage years build the foundation for self-discovery and identity, so they are crucial for conversations about empathy. When your teen expresses distress about someone else’s behavior, challenge them to consider the other person’s side. Help them navigate situations where empathy and peer pressure conflict, like when a peer they don’t like is being bullied. Discuss personal values and how empathy fits into their identity.

Teens are beginning to gain the ability to form their own communities. Encourage them to advocate for causes they care about through volunteering and activism, as well as participating in diverse groups where they can meet people from different backgrounds. Maintain an open dialogue with them about their experiences, being vulnerable in expressing how you have struggled with the same things. It’s not always easy to be empathetic—tell them that you understand and that it’s normal when you see them having trouble. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we hope to help children and teens become the best versions of themselves. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Healthy Habits to Encourage This Summer

Summer is here, and school is out! Suddenly, you’re seeing a lot more of your child, and they’re adjusting to not having a structured routine. Now is the perfect time to start building better habits. With more time on their hands, your child can focus on making the most of summer break by being healthy. Here are some habits you can work on as a family this summer: 

Staying Hydrated

It’s always important to stay hydrated, but it’s even more important during the summer. Make drinking water a priority for the whole family. Emphasize the need for increased fluid intake in hot weather. If your child struggles to drink enough water, suggest fun ways to drink more, like infusing it with fruit or mixing in electrolyte powder. Make sure everyone in the family has a reusable water bottle. Your child may even enjoy decorating their water bottle with waterproof stickers to make it feel like their own

Incorporating Outdoor Activity

Another way the family can focus on their health this summer is through outdoor activity. Getting plenty of fresh air and sunlight is linked to improved moods and better sleep, which benefits both our physical and mental well-being. Exercise provides its own list of benefits for the mind and body. Make time this summer for participating in physical activity together, whether it’s taking walks in nature, swimming in the pool or running on the beach. Always wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water! 

Eating Whole, Fresh Foods

Often, we turn to processed foods because they're inexpensive and convenient. Unfortunately, it’s not the healthiest option. Look for ways to incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet this summer. Consider going to the farmer’s market to find in-season produce so you can get the freshest options. Put together or buy some fruit salads, and find new ways to cook vegetables so they will appeal to everyone (hint: try roasting them!).

Prioritizing Rest and Sleep

When school is in session, children and teens have set wake-up and wind-down times each day. Over summer break, many children lack this structure, which can affect their sleep patterns. Find a routine that works for your whole family, even if that means different wake-up times for different family members. The goal is to ensure everyone gets plenty of sleep each night, even during the exciting summer season. Talk with the family about being respectful of everyone’s schedules and letting each other sleep. Encourage looking away from screens for at least one hour before bed to support a healthy bedtime routine. 

Practicing Sun Safety

Sun safety is one of the most important health considerations to make during the summertime. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn in the short term and skin cancer in the long term. If you’re going outside during the day, especially during peak hours, here are some steps you can take to stay safe:

• Wear a hat and sunglasses

• Put on sunscreen, reapplying as needed

• Look for shady spots

At North Tampa Christian Academy, we always encourage students to practice healthy habits. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Organization Tips to Help Children Wrap Up the School Year

Before diving into summer break, take a moment to wrap up the school year with an end-of-year organization routine. Organizing at the end of the school year builds a sense of accomplishment, marks the start of summer fun, and ensures your child will have fewer things to worry about when the new school year rolls around.

Backpack Clean-Up 

During the school year, backpacks often fill up with everything from broken pencils to food crumbs. Begin by emptying every compartment and pocket, inside and out. Then give the backpack a thorough wash so it’s fresh and ready for next year. Check the care instructions first. Some backpacks can go straight into the machine, but others might need special treatment. If the new school year calls for a new backpack, consider ways to recycle or repurpose the old one. 

Sort and Recycle Old School Supplies

Take some time to go through school supplies and see what your child could keep using. Set aside anything still in good condition, and toss what’s not. Sorting pencils, crayons, and markers by type or color will make it easier to see what you already have. When it’s time to buy new supplies, you’ll know exactly what you need. Consider donating gently used or unused supplies to those in need. Also, checking with local office supply stores to see if they offer recycling for school supplies is a thoughtful way to declutter without creating extra waste. 

Create a Memory Box for Favorite Projects

Encourage your child to choose a few keepsakes to remember the year. Help them pick out their favorite art and school projects, and put them in a special box or a folder. It’s a fun way to look back at what they learned. Older children might want to organize their projects on their computers in different folders to use in portfolios. 

Refresh The Workspace

Help your child clear off their desk by removing old papers, broken supplies, and anything they no longer use. Turn on uplifting music to make the process more enjoyable, and treat this time as an opportunity to reconnect and reflect on the school year together. Wipe down the surface, treat any stains, and peel off old tape or stickers. A clean, organized workspace sets the stage for a fresh start when school begins again.

Shop for School Supplies Early

Starting school supply shopping early is like buying yourself a few extra days of summer. With shelves still full and no last-minute lines, you’ll skip the rush and start the new school year feeling calm and prepared. Children love it, too—no stress over missing supplies, and you can enjoy quality time without the hassle of last-minute shopping.   

As the school year comes to a close, students are ready to embrace the joys of summer. Following these tips will help you and your child feel that the year is complete, and the summer break will begin with a sense of accomplishment. Both parents and children can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from being more prepared for the next school year. At North Tampa Christian Academy, we are honored to partner with families seeking excellent education for their children in a Wesley Chapel private school. Contact us today to learn more.

Faith-Focused Summer Activities to Inspire Spiritual Growth

Summer break is a special time for families to rest, recharge, and grow in faith together.
With the busy school year behind us, summer offers a wonderful opportunity to help children stay connected to their faith through prayer, service, and creative activities. Explore ways your family can support faith development in children throughout the summer.

Create a Summer Prayer Journal

During the school year, it’s easy to get caught up in busy mornings, leaving little to no time for prayer. This summer, consider starting a prayer journal. You can fill it in every time you pray in the morning. Not only will this help you and your child stay on track, but it will also make sure you don’t skip a prayer. A prayer journal creates a simple daily routine that helps keep your family spiritually grounded during the summer break. It’s a great way to stay organized while also strengthening your faith.

Host a Craft Contest With Friends

Gathering with friends is a fun way to bring creativity and faith together. Have children draw or craft scenes from the Bible, whether it’s a favorite story or a meaningful verse. There are no winners or losers, but friendly competition is always fun. Each child can receive a prize for their effort and creativity, celebrating their unique interpretation of the stories and their connection to faith. This activity encourages creativity and allows children to learn more about the Bible in a hands-on, engaging way.

Create a Bible-Themed Play or Theater Production

Organize a Bible-themed play right at home! Create a shadow play using a flashlight and cut-out figures, or have children act out scenes in a live performance. Encourage kids to use their imagination by pretending to be actors, helping with the set design, or creating costumes. This allows children to learn the Bible in a creative and interactive way, all while having fun and learning about play and theater.

Listen to Faith-Based Podcasts and Audiobooks

Faith-based podcasts are a fantastic way to support your child’s spiritual development while keeping things fun and relaxed. With a wide range of podcasts suitable for different age groups, you can easily find ones that align with your family’s interests. For younger children, faith-focused audiobooks and stories can be especially engaging. Podcasts and audiobooks provide an easy way to weave faith into daily routines while offering topics for meaningful conversations for the whole family. 

Foster Gratitude Through Small Acts of Kindness

One meaningful way to help your child grow in faith is by practicing random acts of kindness. Encourage your child to share their kindness in meaningful ways, like donating toys or delivering homemade treats to people who need them. At home, practice gratitude through small gestures, like writing kind notes or assisting with chores. If you find an opportunity, encourage your child to volunteer at your church to foster a spirit of giving. These thoughtful actions positively impact others while also teaching your child the power of generosity and compassion.

Cook Biblical Meals Together

Cooking together can be a fun family activity that deepens your child’s understanding of the Bible. Take advantage of the summer break by preparing foods that connect to Bible stories and the history of faith. While cooking, discuss the roles these foods played back in time and how families and communities shared them. It’s a hands-on way to bring biblical stories to life and make faith-based lessons tangible for children of all ages.

When school is out, students are ready to enjoy the joys of summer. Summer is also a great time to reflect on activities that nurture faith. At North Tampa Christian Academy, we’re proud to serve families seeking a Wesley Chapel Christian school where faith and education go hand in hand. Contact us today to learn more about how we support students in their spiritual and academic journeys.

5 Skills Students Need for Effective Collaboration

Knowing how to collaborate is an important part of a well-rounded education. Students must learn to be successful working in groups to prepare for life after graduation. For some, leadership and teamwork come naturally. Most children, however, need to develop the skills required to be an effective collaborator. These are the skills students need to learn to be great at collaborating with others:

Communication Skills

You can’t collaborate if you can’t communicate. Students need to be able to practice active listening. This means tuning in to what others are saying and picking up on cues, as well as showing acknowledgment. It also means developing effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, like making eye contact and speaking with confidence. One area where children, or anyone excited about a certain topic, can struggle is waiting their turn. This is as important as any communication skill for effective collaboration. 

Problem-Solving Skills

Generally speaking, collaborative assignments are about putting everyone’s heads together to solve a problem. Students should start by identifying and defining the problem that needs to be solved, and then work together to brainstorm solutions. Everyone has unique experiences to pull from for ideas, so your student has something special to bring to the table. Once the ideas are on paper, students need to be able to work together to evaluate the options and make decisions together. 

Conflict Resolution Skills

Every person has a different perspective, so it’s natural that sometimes, students will disagree on the best course of action. When this happens, it helps to hear everyone out and understand their point of view. If it’s a subject the student is especially passionate about, discussions can get heated. This means it’s time to take a step back and remember to have a positive attitude about the situation. At the end of the day, everyone in the group is trying to reach a common goal. 

Time Management Skills

Group projects involve setting and prioritizing goals for the project as a whole. Individual students also need to set their own goals for the project, organizing their tasks and responsibilities to ensure their part gets done. This is essential for meeting deadlines and managing time effectively as a team. Ideally, everyone on a collaborative project will pull their weight and contribute to its success. 

Leadership Skills

Collaborative groups often have a clear leader, but everyone in the group should focus on honing their leadership skills. The group leader should focus on keeping the others motivated, and everyone in the group should look for opportunities to take initiative. Group members can work together to delegate tasks and responsibilities, playing to each member’s strengths. A lot can happen in group projects, so another important skill is staying positive in adverse situations. By learning these important leadership skills, your child can achieve great things.  

At North Tampa Christian Academy, one of our core focuses is effective collaboration. Students at our Tampa Christian school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a collaborative learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.