It’s such a great time for a family talk.

Fear vs. Courage? A Super Fun Family Activity

Apathy, Envy and Fear Vs. Empathy, Shared Joy and Courage

Our kids are watching us closely. Children learn how to make choices by watching the adults in the room, so let’s talk about decision-making. Choices. It’s good to have some, right? Amid what is most likely the biggest wake up call on earth, we’ve got some really big decisions to make. Yes, it’s a fun family activity invented specifically for living through a pandemic and economic free fall.

Let’s Talk Family Values: Super Fun Activities

Read the following stories to your kids. Have them fill in the thinking bubbles of the characters. Have fun! Remember, there are no right or wrong answers, just opportunities for really interesting and important family talks.

Choice 1: Should our lives be guided by apathy or empathy?

Activity: In one village suffering a new sickness, a young woman named Carla learned at a gathering of parents that many could not access health care for their families. What might a healthy response from Carla be — apathy or empathy?

What is Carla thinking? Will she find a way to help the families? Fill in her thinking bubble.

What is Carla thinking? Her thoughts guide her next steps.

Choice 2: When we learn of the successes of others, should we feel envy or shared joy?

Example: In one village where people endured many traumas, the leader named Edward learned that another village built a new behavioral health center at the school to serve students and their parents. What might a healthy response from Edward be — envy or shared joy?

What is Edward thinking? Will he want to build a health center for his village, too? Fill in his thinking bubble.

What is Edward thinking? City leaders have a lot on their minds these days.

Choice 3: Do we want fear or courage to be our defining trait?

Example: In a time of joblessness, friends Alexandria and Daniel discovered that many of the village residents were lacking the basic services for survival, including stable shelter, secure food and job training. The two friends knew that to fix the problem, they would have to confront the village elders. What might a healthy response from Alexandria and Daniel be — fear or courage?

What are Alexandria and Daniel thinking? Will they meet with the village elders? If so, what might they say? Fill in their thinking bubbles.

What are Alexandria and Daniel thinking? Is it time for action?

Let’s Talk about Apathy, Envy and Fear Vs. Empathy, Shared Joy and Courage

Discussion: Decisions, decisions, decisions. How shall we make choices? It’s like Batman Vs Superman — two opposing forces. Only here it’s real life and all about Apathy, Envy and Fear Vs. Empathy, Shared Joy and Courage. As we do our best to navigate in a world of colliding crises, talk with your kids about the power of choice and how each decision impacts a community. Discuss how making certain choices can bring about healthy outcomes for your family and those families living on the other side of town.

And mention the part about saving civilization, too.

*The future is what we make it. Join the evolution.

Please excuse any typos as I construct an article at 3am on only one cup of Joe. These stories are mine and mine alone. I do not represent any organization here. If one of my illustrations looks like a real human or three-headed hydra, that’s total coincidence. Words and images ©Dominic Cappello but share with everyone you know. Questions? The Plan Forward awaits you here: www.tenvitalservices.org