Helpfulness
Human beings are inherently social and we have a natural tendency to seek connection and interaction with our fellow human beings. From an evolutionary perspective, our survival as a species has depended on our ability to cooperate and collaborate with one another, and this has shaped many of our social and psychological tendencies.
Helpfulness is often seen as a virtue because it promotes social cohesion and can lead to positive outcomes for both the helper and the person being helped. When we help others, we often feel good about ourselves and may even experience a "helper's high," which is a surge of positive emotions that comes from doing something kind or generous for someone else. Being helpful can also benefit those around us, especially those in need. It can help to alleviate suffering and bring about positive change in their lives. Helping others can take many forms, from providing emotional support to helping with practical tasks such as carrying groceries or fixing a broken appliance. For example, lending a listening ear to someone going through a difficult time can provide them with the emotional support they need to feel heard and understood. Similarly, volunteering at a local charity or community organization can help to provide resources and support to those in need, creating a positive impact on the community as a whole.
In addition to the psychological benefits, helpfulness can also lead to practical benefits. When we help others, we build trust and social capital, which can be valuable resources in a variety of contexts. For example, people who are perceived as helpful are often more likely to be hired for jobs, promoted at work, and invited to social gatherings.
That is why it is extremely important to teach our children the virtue of helpfulness. It helps them develop empathy and compassion for others. By encouraging children to be helpful, we teach them to think about the needs and feelings of others, which can lead to a greater sense of connection and understanding with others. This can help to promote positive relationships and reduce conflict with their peers.
Moreover, it can also help to build their self-esteem and confidence. When children are given the opportunity to help others, they learn that they have the power to make a positive impact in the world. This can help to foster a sense of pride and accomplishment in their abilities, which can further motivate them to continue being helpful in the future.
The virtue of helpfulness can also help to develop important life skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. When children are given the opportunity to help others, they must learn how to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and think creatively to solve problems. These are essential skills that can be applied to many different areas of life, including school, work, and personal relationships.
Most importantly, teaching children to be helpful can help to instill important values, such as kindness, generosity, and gratitude. By demonstrating the importance of these values through our own actions, we can help children to create a positive and supportive environment that encourages them to adopt these values as their own which is quintessial for their social, emotional, and cognitive development. Whether through small acts of kindness or more significant acts of service, being helpful is a meaningful way to make a difference in the world. So, let’s join hands to impart this virtue to our future generation