Empathy is simply the ability to understand emotions and respond with kindness; it is therefore a very critical life skill that parents ought to model at a very early stage by creating a culture of compassion. It is important to note that society needs a self-aware child to build trust and a sense of belonging for everyone. An empathetic kid will always manage emotions effectively and resolve conflicts peacefully, and thus make responsible friends in the future. Below are ways you can effectively use to teach your child empathy:
Be the role model
know that your child is watching and quickly learning from you, question is, would you like them to be just like you? If your answer is yes, begin to model compassion as early as possible. Simply work on your self-regulation and impulse control, the aim is not really to be perfect, but it is to show your child that everyone can use self-monitoring and self-work.
Show random acts of kindness
As a parent, practice kindness with your child and demonstrate it without expecting anything in return. Always listen by stopping what you are doing when your child comes to you and do not interrupt.
Explore the roots of rude and disrespectful acts.
Point out disrespectful behavior and call them by name, if your child has been showing unkind behaviors, ask them why and extensively talk about it, let them know why that is unacceptable, and look for a solution immediately.
Help your child interpret expression
Teach your tot to read people’s body language and be able to guess their emotions. By doing this, he will be able to know how to approach them and show the right emotions. This simply helps them connect with and detect the different feelings humans experience.
Guide rather than lecturing
Lecturing your child every time on the same thing would sound like preaching, instead guide your little one to look at what another’s situation or standpoint is. Help your child to be at the same pace as his peers, and ask him questions that will have him reflect on other states of mind.
Get him books about empathy
Research has it that books are pivotal for teaching children empathy. Having your child read about the character’s feelings and emotions will help him not only understand his experiences but also will help him step into other people’s shoes and get to know and understand their emotions and experiences as well.
Invest in their emotional vocabulary
Most children have a limited understanding of their emotions, thus making it difficult for them to understand those of others and how and when to express empathy. As a parent, you, therefore, have a vital role in ensuring that they identify, master, and understand their emotional vocabulary.
Limit screen time.
Your child is probably having difficulties showing empathy to his peers because he lacks social skills, and therefore you must limit screen time and allow him to play and interact to cultivate empathy.
It is obvious that understanding other people’s emotions and responding with kindness is a must-have life skill that children ought to know. Let your child know that being empathetic in life is vital for building good relationships in childhood and into the future, and also helps him develop emotional intelligence.
