Child-rearing strategies for the development of altruistic behavior in young children

Research findings concerning child-rearing strategies that encourage the development of altruistic behavior in young children from infancy to age six are incorporated in a workshop series for families. The workshops are designed to educate and influence the adult-child interaction on cognitive, behavioral, and affective levels. They have been developed for implementation by nonprofessionals in groups involved or interested in parent education and the care, guidance, and training of young children. The structure of the workshops emphasizes participation, role-playing, practice of skills, and discussion of experiences and values by the participants. The workshop content emphasizes an ecological approach that has been demonstrated to form a basis for encouraging helping, sharing, and comforting behaviors in young children.