I was reading something the other day that said empathy is not innate. It’s not something we are born with but rather something that is learned; therefore, it must be taught. I believe some of us are naturally inclined to be more empathetic; that’s what I’ve witnessed working with kids over the years. But, is this because their parents taught them this skill? Or is it a matter of nature?
Whatever the reason is - whether it’s nature or nurture - I think empathy is a quality that most parents and caregivers want their children to have. So, how can we help kids learn this skill?
First, empathy is the ability to put ourselves in another person’s shoes. We want to show them that we genuinely care and want to share their feelings.
Second, there are many benefits from kids developing empathy. It helps kids form healthy relationships and build social connections through compassion and kindness. It allows kids to feel good about themselves, knowing they helped someone. Our child’s mental and emotional well-being is elevated when they build connections with others through kindness. Kids who learn empathy are less likely to bully others or be bystanders when they witness bullying, which builds courage. And, lastly, there is evidence that having these skills helps us to be more successful in our careers and leads to a happy and fulfilling life.
One of the ways we can teach empathy to our kids is through our actions. Kids model our behaviour; therefore, if they witness us showing empathy towards others, they will likely follow suit.
Demonstrating empathy towards our child is another teaching moment. We can do this by validating their feelings, sharing their emotions, “it’s tough, I get it, I’m here for you.” We must be mindful of what our kids need from us rather than what we think they need. If you’re unsure, then ask them.
Volunteering at the food bank, reading to seniors, donating clothes, and anyway we can help others in the community is a great teaching opportunity.
There are many books and videos out there that talk about feelings. Reading stories about feelings is another great way for kids to learn empathy.
Teach your child how important it is to listen to others actively. We’re often distracted while having conversations with others. It isn’t easy to be empathetic when we are not truly listening. One of the ways we can encourage active listening is through having a conversation at home with family members. Have the speaker hold an object, the only one who can speak is whoever is holding the object. This will stop interruptions and help focus on each individual person.
Our world needs empathy now more than ever. Let’s begin with teaching our children this much-needed skill; they are our future leaders. I believe Empathy and compassion are crucial for the survival of humanity.
Until next time…