50 Things The “Weird” Kid At School Did That Still Haunt People Years Later

Going through these stories one can't help but remember how difficult school can be, so while we discuss kids and labels, we also have to talk about individuality and empathy. To dive into these topics, we reached out to our parenting expert Vicki Broadbent, an award-winning TV broadcaster and the creator of the family lifestyle blog Honest Mum, as well as a mother of three.

"Compassion is a skill to be cultivated and the best way is by modeling it as a parent, and also acknowledging and praising your child when they demonstrate it," Broadbent told Bored Panda.

"My most important goal as a parent is to raise kind and caring kids who believe in equality and practice it. They are taught in daily actions and in my own views and actions to others that differences are what make us beautifully unique. Seeking out books and TV programs that promote inclusivity from a young age are important tools for communication."

Vicki is not alone. The Pew Research Center found that 94% of parents say it's extremely (66%) or very (28%) important to them that their children grow up to be honest and ethical adults.

At the same time, eight-in-ten say that it's extremely or very important to them that their children become someone who helps those in need and accepting of others who are different from them.

Raising thoughtful kids who can step into another person's shoes includes interfering when they're ostracizing a peer who's deemed "weird."

"Teaching empathy is key," Broadbent, the author of books Mumboss (UK) and The Working Mom (US and Canada), said. "Having a candid and open conversation with your child where they feel emotionally safe so they are able to open up to you, without harsh judgment from you, is the most important first step in communication. Removing judgment means you accept mistakes are made but they can be rectified and that we all keep learning and growing from mistakes."

Building rapport with your children will incredibly benefit your bond, as one survey revealed that 55% of 8-16 year olds believe that something would stop them from asking others for help if they were struggling with their feelings.

Focus on emotions. "Helping your child understand how it feels to be ostracised, to put their shoes in the excluded child's shoes, will help them build greater understanding and empathy," Broadbent continued.

"You can ask them how they would feel if others left them out or made them feel they didn't belong? Or if others focused on their differences (as we all have them) in a discriminatory, hurtful way?"

These conversations also allow you to expand on overarching emotions. "You can discuss the feelings of loneliness, embarrassment, and shame and then together brainstorm ways to ensure your child can be active in supporting and befriending someone so they don't feel that way," Broadbent said.

"I discuss ways my children can advocate for others too, in standing up to those being hurtful, seeking support from teachers and parents where appropriate but also understanding the term that 'hurt people hurt people' and that often those being hurtful need help themselves so they have a deeper understanding on behavior. The approach will vary depending on the age and maturity of the child but either way, it is your duty and job as a parent to teach empathy and compassion, and that also means a responsibility to yourself to keep learning and evolving as a person and parent."

Fostering empathy in our children not only helps them embrace each other's differences but also shapes a kinder world for us all.