What is consideration (caring for others)?
Consideration is thinking about how our words and actions affect other people, and acting kindly. It begins with noticing: a classmate who is sad, an elder who is tired, a younger child who is lost. Then we feel with them (this is called empathy) and help in a way that suits them.
Caring is for everyone: family, friends, strangers, and also animals and the environment.
How to show consideration
- Listen without interrupting.
- Offer your seat or help to someone who needs it more.
- Think before joking: could this hurt?
- Ask "can I help?" instead of assuming.
- Share, wait your turn and keep shared places clean.
Good help respects the other person. Do not help to show off, and do not take away their chance to do it themselves when they can.
What is gratitude?
Gratitude is knowing that we receive help and good things from others, and feeling thankful for it. Think of the food on your plate: a farmer grew it, a driver carried it, a family member cooked it. Our life stands on the work of many people.
Gratitude makes us happier, makes others feel valued and makes us want to give back.
Showing gratitude to those who support us
We can show thanks by:
- Saying "thank you" and meaning it, with eye contact.
- Writing a short note to a teacher or helper.
- Doing our own part well: studying, helping at home, keeping promises.
- Passing kindness on to someone else.
Thank the people who are easy to forget too: cleaners, security guards, drivers, cooks and farmers.
Try it
Write three people who helped you this week. Thank one of them in person today. Then do one caring act without being asked. In the 3D, add helpers with the slider and note how the load on each person falls from 12 kg to 6 kg, 4 kg and so on.
Key formulas and definitions
- Consideration = Notice + Feel with + Help
- Gratitude = Know the help + Thank + Give back
- Shared load = total load / number of people
- Notice, Help, Thank (N-H-T)
- Thank everyone: family, teachers, workers, farmers
Worked examples
1. A new student sits alone at lunch. What is a considerate thing to do?
Notice her, invite her to sit with you, and ask a friendly question. A small act of welcome can change the day.
2. Your grandmother makes your favourite food every Sunday. How can you show gratitude?
Say thank you warmly, help set the table or wash up, and ask about her day. Doing a small task for her shows thanks in action.
3. A bag weighs 12 kg. If it is shared equally among 4 people, how much does each carry?
12 / 4 = 3 kg each. This is what the 3D slider shows: more helpers, less load for everyone.
Common mistakes
- Helping only to be praised. Real consideration is for the other person.
- Thinking gratitude is only for big gifts. Small help deserves thanks too.
- Saying thanks without looking at the person or meaning it.
- Forgetting people behind the scenes, such as cooks, cleaners and farmers.