Tips on How to Teach Children Kindness and Empathy
These days we need to shift our focus to teaching our children to be kind. Over the past week, another tragic event occurred in our country.
More people were hurt or killed by other people because of the color of their skin, their ethnicity, their beliefs, or their gender.
We have to do better. We have a responsibility to teach our children to do better and to be kind.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share another’s feelings.
Children can develop empathy as early a preschool age, they need to learn:
- What feelings are
- Understand and notice their own feelings
- Learn how to manage their own emotions
Consequently, they will be better able to notice feelings and emotions in others and empathize with others.
Children learn from the adults around them. Therefore, it is important to take a moment and self reflect:
- How do I show kindness?
- Who do I show kindness to?
- How do I express empathy?
- How do I handle my feelings?
- How do I help my child with their feelings?
Being a parent is the hardest but most important job in the world. A child who feels loved, accepted, safe, secure can learn to treat others with kindness and respect.
Here are some ideas for teaching kindness and empathy.
- Do nice things for others
- Compromising
- Model patience
- Sharing or Giving
- Let someone go first in line
- Noticing when others need help
- Hold the door for someone
- Encourage inviting and welcoming vs. leaving out
No one is born with hate in their hearts. On the contrary, humans are wired for connection. We are born to love.
A world full of hate is not what we want our children to grow up in. Our children deserve better, everybody’s child deserves better.
Children are growing and developing, negative experiences do have an effect on their psychological and emotional well-being.
If you are concerned about your child’s well-being and notice they are struggling, get them help. Contact me for a free consultation.