Relational Heroes

The videos listed below illustrate the life-changing impact of exercising emotional intelligence altruistically. “Altruistically” means acting in a way that shows unselfish concern for the welfare of others, often at a personal cost or sacrifice. It implies a motivation to help others without expecting anything in return. Essentially, it’s the opposite of being selfish or self-centered.

People who act his way can become “relational heroes” by setting an example that other people are inspired to follow.

You can easily use these videos to inspire kind, compassionate and responsible behavior in your home or classroom. As you gather for a meal or begin your day at school, show one of these two-to-three-minute videos and ask your children or students these types of questions: (1) What did you like about this video? (2) What emotions did you observe in this video? (3) What values did this story illustrate? (4) How did the main characters’ actions impact others? (5) When have you seen another person act this way, and how did it impact others? (6) How would our home or classroom be different if we all learned to act this way?

“These are wonderful! I’m slowly making my way through them with my seven and five-year-olds. We have truly enjoyed them, and it makes me pray all the more that my children respond with kindness when they see someone in need.” Jill M.

To go a step further, buy an RW Pamphlet for every person in your family or classroom, teach them the Four RW Acrostics, and then ask them to describe ways that people in these videos lived out the principles in these acrostics.

“When I watch these videos with my 14-year-old, I never cease to be amazed by how much he likes these acts of kindness and how well he can describe exactly how people are living out the RW acrostics.” He has challenged me to be more relationally wise!” Chuck S.

To engrain this kind of altruistic behavior even more deeply, parents and teachers could create informal “contests” by encouraging their children or students to write essays answering the questions above, with the best essay receiving a reward of some kind.