She is upset to tears if she hears about or sees someone get hurt. She wants to give her things to the poor kids (we give our old stuff to Desert Industries) and her money as well. If someone is feeling bad she is really moved to help, even if it's a kid who hasn't been kind to her previously. Is this normal? I know compassion is a positive trait, but at what point does it go too far? Is it because I take in and rehab abused animals? Or because I've had several serious illness in the past years? I hope nothing I'm doing is harming her psychologicaly.
2007-12-05 05:33:46 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
My oldest child was the same way. Although compassion is a very good trait, it can also be dangerous. I was always worried about her getting taken advantage of and being too gullible. I also worried about her being hurt because she was so sensitive and took everything to heart.
It was very difficult for her and for us to watch her. Eventually, she did have to get tougher and more calloused just to protect herself. As a preteen and teenager, she had a lot of anger issues over how she was treated, taken advantage of and hurt by others. We did counseling and the whole nine yards. Now, as an adult, it is sad because she is sarcastic and very skeptical from being taken advantage of so much.
So encourage her to be nurturing but to be wise. Try to teach her the difference between empathy and sympathy.
Good Luck!
2007-12-05 06:17:34 · answer #1 · answered by wondermom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She sounds normal to me. She sees you being compassionate, so she is encouraged in that direction.
Now I don't say this is a problem for you, but some people let their compassion go too far. They try to solve another's problems when only the other person can do that, and the other is disadvantaged by being treated as helpless or a victim. People who tend toward anger need to control their anger, and people who are very compassionate need to control their compassion. Both these emotions are good when appropriate, and can be harmful when expressed wrongly.
2007-12-05 13:47:20 · answer #2 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a 28 year old son that was and is like that to this day.
I had taken him to counseling when he was younger because he seemed to internalize everything on the news .He is 28 now and the stuff on the news really tears him up.
It still scares me for him because I think he is very depressed.But you cannot make someone not care about the world around him.
I would stay on top of it and see a counselor should she show signs of depression.
2007-12-05 13:46:14 · answer #3 · answered by uptoyou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is normal. Yes, the environment in which she was brought up would have a role to play which possibly explains it.
You could possibly monitor her behaviour for another couple of years. Unless you notice something extremely unusual, its probably fine.
2007-12-05 13:38:44 · answer #4 · answered by SM 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have a very sweet daughter. Not only is that normal, but you are blessed to have her.
2007-12-05 13:44:32 · answer #5 · answered by bebeangelsmami 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must live in Utah.. i grew up there, now live in Oklahoma.
I think you are good, and she is doing what she sees you do.
2007-12-05 13:41:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋