An empathetic child is one who is able to relate to how others might feel in a particular situation by putting themselves in the shoes of someone else and responding accordingly. This is important in a child’s early development, especially when they begin to attend preschool. A pre-schooler who has a strong sense of empathy would find it easier to build meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers. Empathy also promotes the development of a child’s social skills, teaching them to be more tolerant and accepting of others.
A strong sense of empathy can benefit a child not only in childhood but well into their adulthood as well. Thus, it would be incredibly beneficial if parents make conscious efforts to guide their young children and nurture empathy in them from a young age. Here are 5 ways you can help your child learn to be more understanding of the needs and feelings of others.
1. Be a good role model.
The best way for young children to develop empathy is to experience it first-hand. When you empathise with your child, they develop trusting attachments to you. These attachments serve as a catalyst to them wanting to model our behaviour. Thus, take some time to tune into your child’s emotional and physical needs, respect their unique personality and take a genuine interest in their daily lives. Setting a good example is one of the most effective ways of developing a child’s sense of empathy. After all, children learn best by the things they observe!
2. Validate their complex emotions.
When a child is feeling upset, it is every parent’s natural and instinctive reaction to try to rectify the problem immediately, especially if they are throwing a tantrum. However, sometimes, an adult may unintentionally discount a child’s feelings in an attempt to resolve the issue.
It is human nature to experience different emotions. Thus, it is vital that we validate children’s emotions, even when it may feel frustrating that they are having a meltdown. By validating their emotions and encouraging them to talk to you about their feelings, you can not only de-escalate emotionally charged situations, but children will also feel heard and understood. When they learn more about their own emotions and experience feeling validated, they are more likely to extend that same understanding towards others in the future.
3. Utilise pretend play.
Play is essential in early childhood. As parents, you could consider using pretend play as a tool to teach your child about empathy. For instance, you could pretend that your child’s favourite toys are other children who want to join in on playtime. Ask your child how the “other children” would likely feel if they were not allowed to join in on the fun. Through this simple example, you are presenting your child with a real-life scenario of the possible consequences of their actions. You are also allowing them to explore different outcomes so they would be more aware of what to do if they were ever faced in a similar situation.
4. Acknowledge and praise their efforts.
It is no secret that positive affirmations are effective in nurturing a child’s wellbeing. When you notice your child exhibiting a strong sense of empathy, it would be beneficial to acknowledge their efforts. This can serve as positive reinforcement of the efforts they are putting in to be more mindful of the feelings of others and would encourage them to continue displaying such behaviour.
5. Be patient.
Empathy is a skill that children are born with, but it must be fostered throughout their lives. Learning to be empathetic is similar to picking up a new skill or language – it takes time, practice and proper guidance. It is likely that your child may not be able to understand the concept of empathy right away, so it is important to remain patient even when they fail to do so.
You could even consider reinforcing clear messages of being kind to your child daily. Regularly examining other people’s viewpoints and circumstances can help children develop empathy as a natural response and improves their ability to tune into others’ feelings and perspectives.
Conclusion
Apart from your own efforts at home, teachers and parents should work hand in hand to teach children all the necessary skills to help them grow up to be well-rounded individuals. Therefore, parents should enrol their children into a reputable international preschool and childcare in Singapore like Viv’s Schoolhouse.
We offer a comprehensive curriculum to help our children develop empathy, communication, critical thinking, and other crucial skills through engaging and interactive activities. Being a bilingual childcare in Singapore with experts in early childhood education planning the curriculum, rest assured your child would be in safe hands. Interested to learn more about us? Contact us today for more information.