The Virtue of Consideration: Stories for Children

The Virtue of Consideration: Stories for Children

A Magical Journey Awaits

The Tale of Cora and the Caring Creatures

Cora Learns from the Caring Creatures

Once upon a time, a young girl named Cora lived in a vibrant village between rolling hills and whispering woods. Cora was known for her sparkling eyes and a heart full of curiosity. Every day, she explored the meadows, played by the stream, and talked to the friendly animals that called the village home.

One sunny afternoon, as Cora picked wildflowers by the forest’s edge, she heard a soft, sorrowful sound. It was a small bird with a broken wing, chirping weakly for help. Without hesitation, Cora gently picked up the bird and carried it home. She cleaned its wound, crafted a tiny splint from twigs, and placed it in a cozy nest made of soft cotton.

Days turned into weeks, and the bird began to heal under Cora’s loving care. One morning, the bird flapped its wings joyfully and took flight, singing a melody of gratitude. Cora felt a warm glow in her heart, knowing she had made a difference.

Word of Cora’s kindness spread through the forest, reaching the ears of the wise old owl, Orlin. Seeing Cora’s compassion and knowing of her kindness, Orlin guided her further about the virtue of consideration.

“Consideration,” Orlin explained, “is thinking about others’ needs and feelings before our own. It’s about making choices that bring joy and comfort to others.”

One evening, Orlin led Cora to a hidden clearing deep in the forest. In this magical place, the trees glowed with a gentle light, and the air hummed with the whispers of ancient tales. There, Orlin introduced Cora to the Caring Creatures—mystical beings who dedicated their lives to helping others.

There was Lumi, the gentle deer who guided lost travelers back to their paths; Neri, the playful squirrel who gathered extra nuts for those who couldn’t collect their own; and Bella, the wise tortoise who shared stories of wisdom and kindness with anyone willing to listen.

Cora spent many days listening to and learning from the Caring Creatures. She learned to listen with her heart, to understand the unspoken needs of those around her, and to act with thoughtfulness and empathy.

One day, the village faced a terrible storm. The river swelled, and the strong winds threatened to destroy homes. Remembering what she had learned, Cora quickly gathered the villagers and organized a plan. They built barriers to protect their homes, shared food and warmth, and ensured everyone was safe and cared for.

As the storm passed and the sun broke through the clouds, the village celebrated their survival. They praised Cora for her leadership, but she humbly attributed their success to the virtue of consideration she had learned from the Caring Creatures.

From that day on, the village flourished with a new spirit of togetherness. Cora continued to spread the lessons of consideration, showing that by thinking of others, they could create a world filled with kindness and understanding.

And so, the village thrived, surrounded by the whispering woods, the rolling hills, and the enduring spirit of consideration. Whenever someone needed a reminder of the power of kindness, they would visit the meadow, listen to the tales of the Caring Creatures, and remember the story of Cora and her compassionate heart.

Thus, the virtue of consideration became the guiding light for all who lived in the village, proving that even the smallest act of kindness can create ripples of love and joy.

Family Conversation Starters:

1.   What do you think made Cora decide to help the injured bird, and how did her actions show consideration?

2.  Can you remember the different Caring Creatures Cora met in the forest? What did each one teach her?

3.  How did the Caring Creatures teach Cora about consideration, and can you think of a time when you were considerate like them?

4.  When the storm hit the village, how did Cora use what she learned from the Caring Creatures to help her community?

A Magical Journey Awaits

Cora and the Heart of the Home

Cora Applied Consideration at Home

Cora lived in a cozy cottage with her parents and little brother, Milo, in the same vibrant village nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods. Their home was always filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of delicious meals that Cora’s mother, Elara, cooked with great care.

One chilly autumn morning, as the leaves turned golden and the air grew crisp, Cora noticed her mother seemed tired. Elara worked tirelessly, tending to the house, preparing meals, and caring for the family. Despite her weariness, she never complained and always greeted everyone with a warm smile.

Cora remembered the lessons from Orlin and the Caring Creatures about the virtue of consideration. She decided it was time to practice those lessons in her home.

That evening, after dinner, Cora gathered her family in the cozy living room. “I’ve noticed how hard Mom works every day,” she began. “I think it’s time we show her some extra appreciation and give her a well-deserved break.”

Her father, Aric, nodded in agreement, and Milo’s eyes sparkled with excitement. They all agreed to make the next day a special one for Elara.

Cora woke up early the following morning and quietly slipped into the kitchen. She prepared a breakfast tray with her mother’s favorite foods—freshly baked bread, sweet honey, and a pot of steaming herbal tea. With Milo’s help, they decorated the tray with wildflowers and a hand-drawn card.

As Elara came downstairs, she was greeted by her loving family, who held the breakfast tray. Tears of joy filled her eyes as she realized the thoughtful gesture. “Thank you, my darlings,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “This means the world to me.”

While Elara enjoyed breakfast in bed, Cora and her family took over the household chores. Aric tended the garden, Milo dusted and tidied up the living room, and Cora tackled the laundry. They worked together with cheerful hearts, humming songs and sharing stories as they went about their tasks.

Later in the day, Cora suggested a family picnic by the stream. They packed a basket with snacks, blankets, and games and set off to their favorite spot. Elara, now fully rested and reenergized, joined them with a heart full of gratitude.

Elara looked at Cora with pride as they sat by the babbling brook, enjoying the beauty of nature and each other’s company. “You’ve truly understood the meaning of consideration, my dear,” she said. “It’s about recognizing the needs of others and acting with kindness and thoughtfulness.”

That evening, as the family gathered around the fireplace, Elara shared stories from her childhood, filled with lessons of love and empathy. Cora listened intently, knowing that the virtue of consideration had brought joy to her mother and strengthened the bond within their family.

From that day on, Cora made it a point to be mindful of her family’s needs and feelings. She noticed when her father had a long day at work and offered to help with dinner. She played games with Milo when he felt lonely and needed a friend. She continued to spread the spirit of consideration, creating a home filled with love, understanding, and mutual care.

And so, in their cozy cottage, nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods, Cora’s family thrived, bound together by the simple yet profound virtue of consideration. Their home became a haven of warmth and compassion, a testament to the power of thinking about others and acting with a kind heart.

Thus, the virtue of consideration strengthened the bonds within Cora’s family and served as a shining example for all who knew them. In their small, loving home, they showed that even the smallest acts of thoughtfulness could create a world of difference.

Family Conversation Starters:

1. Why do you think Cora decided to help her mother when she noticed she was tired?

2. How did Cora and her family show consideration for Elara? What did they do to make her feel appreciated?

3. How did Cora’s actions, inspired by the lessons from the Caring Creatures, bring her family closer together?

4. Can you think of a time when you helped someone in our family? How did it make you feel and how did it make them feel?

5. How can we show consideration to each other in our family every day?

A Magical Journey Awaits

Cora and the Classroom of Consideration

Cora Uses Consideration in the Classroom

Once upon a time, in the vibrant village nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods, there lived a young girl named Cora. Known for her sparkling eyes and a heart full of curiosity, Cora spent her days learning from nature, her family, and the friendly animals of the village.

After a great storm, Cora learned the virtue of consideration from the wise old owl, Orlin, and the Caring Creatures—Lumi the deer, Neri the squirrel, and Bella the tortoise. She applied these lessons at home, making her family’s life warmer and more loving. Now, Cora was ready to spread this virtue beyond her home into her school.

Cora attended the village school, a charming building filled with the laughter and energy of children. Her teacher, Miss Elenor, was kind and patient, but lately, she had seemed a bit overwhelmed. The students often talked out of turn, left their desks untidy, and didn’t always listen during lessons.

One morning, Cora noticed Miss Elenor rubbing her temples, clearly stressed. Remembering the lessons from the Caring Creatures, Cora decided it was time to show consideration in her classroom. She gathered a few classmates during recess to share her ideas.

“Miss Elenor works really hard for us,” Cora said. “I think we should show her some consideration and make our classroom a happier place for everyone.”

Her friends nodded eagerly, excited to help. Together, they came up with a plan to bring consideration into their daily routine. Cora led the way by creating a “Consideration Chart,” where students could write down acts of kindness they had done or witnessed.

The next day, Cora and her friends presented their ideas to the class. “Let’s try to think about others’ feelings and needs,” Cora explained. “We can start by listening when someone is talking, keeping our desks tidy, and helping each other with schoolwork.”

At first, not everyone was enthusiastic, but Cora’s enthusiasm was infectious. Slowly but surely, the atmosphere in the classroom began to change. Students started listening attentively, helping each other with challenging tasks, and keeping their classroom neat and cheerful.

One day, a new student named Ben joined the class. He was shy and felt out of place. Cora remembered how the Caring Creatures always made her feel welcome and included, so she decided to show Ben the same kindness. She introduced herself, invited him to sit with her at lunch, and helped him catch up with the lessons.

Seeing Cora’s example, other students soon followed. They took turns helping Ben, making him feel part of the class. Miss Elenor noticed the change too. With the students being more considerate, she felt less stressed and more able to teach effectively.

To celebrate their progress, Miss Elenor organized a special “Consideration Day.” The students shared stories about how they had helped each other and learned from their acts of kindness. Cora was proud to see how her small idea had blossomed into a caring and supportive classroom environment.

During the celebration, Miss Elenor thanked the class, her eyes shining with gratitude. “You have all shown that by thinking of others, we can create a wonderful place to learn and grow,” she said. “Cora, thank you for reminding us of the importance of consideration.”

Cora felt a warm glow in her heart, knowing she had made a difference. The lessons she had learned from the Caring Creatures had not only helped her family but had also transformed her school into a place where everyone felt valued and supported.

And so, in the vibrant village nestled between rolling hills and whispering woods, Cora’s virtue of consideration continued to spread, creating ripples of kindness and understanding in her school. Her story inspired others, showing that even the smallest acts of thoughtfulness could create a world of difference.

Thus, the wisdom of the forest and the lessons from the Caring Creatures not only brought joy to Cora’s family but also transformed her classroom. By thinking of others and acting with a kind heart, Cora showed that the virtue of consideration could create a nurturing and harmonious environment for everyone.

Family Conversation Starters:

1. Why did Cora decide to bring the virtue of consideration into her classroom? How did she notice that Miss Elenor needed help?

2. What ideas did Cora and her friends come up with to make their classroom happier? How did these ideas help everyone?

3. How did Cora and her classmates help the new student, Ben, feel welcome and included?

4. What changes did Miss Elenor notice in the classroom after the students showed more consideration?

5. Can you think of ways we can show consideration at home and school, just like Cora and her friends did?

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Consideration

Consideration

Description

Consideration is giving careful thought to the needs of others. It is also holding a decision in a contemplative and thoughtful way. We mindfully consider what will result from our choices before we act. We speak with gentleness and tact. We care about others and their feelings. We carefully observe their preferences and needs, then do things to give them ease or bring them joy. Consideration shines in small daily acts that add to the happiness of others. It is one of the most meaningful ways to show love. Considerate people givie the very best gifts.

Quote

Blessed is one…who adds to the happiness of another.”  — Zoroastrianism, Yasht 22:4

 

“A moment of consideration often prevents a thousand apologies.” Kevin J. Anderson

 

“Good manners is the techniques for expressing consideration for the feelings of others.” Alice Duer Miller

 The Practice of Consideration

  • I think about what others need.
  • I am thoughtful of their feelings.
  • I speak gently and tactfully.
  • I hold decisions with care and discernment.
  • I take joy in bringing joy to others.
  • I show my love in thoughtful acts.
Definitions and practices of virtue are used with permission from the Virtues Project™.

“No one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” Anonymous

In the Family

The virtue of Consideration within a family is demonstrated by members valuing each other’s feelings, needs, and perspectives in a thoughtful and empathetic manner. It is shown through active listening, open communication, and a genuine effort to understand one another.

In a considerate family, decisions are made collectively, considering the impact on all members. Disagreements are resolved with respect, avoiding hurtful language or actions.

Thoughtfulness extends to daily interactions, where small gestures of kindness and accommodation contribute to a harmonious environment. This virtue fosters a sense of unity, as each family member feels acknowledged and valued, leading to stronger bonds and a more supportive familial connection.

Balancing Consideration

To maintain a healthy balance of consideration, several other virtues come into play:

    • Wisdom: Wisdom helps us discern when to prioritize consideration and when to assert our own needs and boundaries. It allows us to make thoughtful decisions that benefit both ourselves and others.
    • Courage: Courage is essential to voice our thoughts and feelings respectfully, even when they may not align with others’ opinions. It prevents us from suppressing our true selves out of excessive consideration.
    • Empathy: Empathy allows us to genuinely connect with others’ emotions and experiences. It is the foundation of consideration, enabling us to understand their needs and feelings.
    • Self-Respect: Respecting oneself is vital to prevent overdeveloped consideration. It reminds us that we deserve care and respect as much as anyone else.
    • Moderation: Moderation helps us strike the right balance between considering others and ourselves. It ensures we don’t go to extremes—excessive self-sacrifice or self-centeredness.

In conclusion, Consideration is a beautiful virtue that enhances our relationships and adds joy to our lives. However, it must be balanced with wisdom, courage, empathy, self-respect, and moderation to avoid potential pitfalls. When we find this equilibrium, we can cultivate genuine, caring, and mutually beneficial connections with the people in our lives, making the world a more compassionate place.

Signs of Success

  •  Stop and think how your actions will affect others
  • Think of little things to bring others happiness
  • Respect other people’s needs and feelings

Reflection Question

  • What is one of the most considerate things anyone ever did for you?
  • How can you tell what is the best gift to give to someone?
  • Name three considerate things you can do that will make a big difference to your family.

Consideration is the combination of so many of the virtues. Love, joyfulness, peacefulness, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness are all virtues that we want to see in our family.Yet, many times we find ourselves showing the opposite. Demonstrating consideration with these other virtues creates the family life that we have dreamed of when we first started our family. Bringing this virtue out of ourselves and our children requires that we make it a practice. If Consideration is the virtue you are focusing on with your family this week or month you may want to try these activities:

 

    • Make a list of people you care about most and find one thoughtful thing each member of the family can do to bring them happiness
    • Find someone who needs help and do something helpful
    • Draw a name out of a hat and do something considerate for them this week
    • Look for ways other family members have shown consideration for you and write it down. Put the paper on the refrigerator for all to see.