Compassion for others

The recent situation with the Governor of Illinois brings to mind that kids can sometimes be cruel without realizing it. There are two children involved in the Illinois scandal, girls ages 5 and 12. Unless they're well insulated, they will be in school with other kids whose parents are going to be talking about the Governor and First Lady. What the kids hear won't be flattering and they will pass on what they hear. It's what they learn from the grown-ups. 

This is a good  instance to help kids understand how much others can be hurt by what we say. The little girls in Illinois had nothing to do with their Dad's alleged corruption but it's a sure bet that some kids will point out that their dad's a crook. 

Wouldn't it be better to say that we're sorry for the problems their family is having and we'll be a friend if they need someone to talk to?  Let's help our kids to show compassion for other kids who are in the spotlight and need a friend now more than ever.