Early on, especially, children naturally turn to their parents, picking up cues on how to respond to life events. Emerging viewpoints are dramatically influenced as they watch Mommy and Daddy interacting with one another. Nurturing a compassionate spirit doesn't mean creating a Utopia for the child. Rather, a kind heart is developed through observing difficult times weathered with the right response. It's generally not one instance that shapes a youngster's outlook.
Consistency is the key.
Relationships with brothers and sisters are important, too. Kids should be expected to treat each other kindly. There's no need to let philosophical trends mush up convictions of right and wrong. Aw, it's just sibling rivalry. No, it's Johnny beating the stuffing out of his brother, Billy.