Compassion
Compassion is the awareness of someone else's suffering and a desire to relieve that suffering. While the definition makes compassion seem like a passing thought, the truth is it is an action. This is a critical piece of your son's character.
Teenagers as a whole seem to be very unaware of others. Typically, teenagers aren't deliberately self-absorbed, but this self-focus is what helps them grow and prepare for leaving home. It becomes a parent's job to point out others and their suffering.
You might hear about a fire or a natural disaster on the news. Start a conversation with your son about how the people affected by the disaster might feel. What do they need to do to heal physically and emotionally? Ask him how he thinks others can help. This is one way to help him develop a sense of others. It might be easier for him to understand the needs of those close to him, such as people in your community.
For most parents it is more practical to define compassion as an act rather than an emotion. This means that you will have to find a way to encourage your son to undertake compassionate acts. The easiest way to do this is to find something that he is passionate about — a cause with his name on it.
Alert
Do not panic if your compassionate teen takes on an issue that is very large or very far away from home. Many teens manage to do some truly incredible things, and one teen's idea could generate thousands of dollars for disaster relief half a world away. Help your son in any way you can.
If this fails, you can also encourage him to join you as you do compassionate acts. Remember this isn't just about giving money, though fundraising is one way to participate. It can be helping to rebuild a neighborhood hit by a natural disaster, recording books for the blind, or serving a meal at a homeless shelter. It doesn't really matter what your son does, as long as he does something.
