Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, June 22, 2023
Maya Angelou once said, “I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.”
Empathy is an essential life skill that allows individuals to connect with others and understand their perspectives. It is important to teach empathy to children from an early age so that they can develop healthy relationships with others. Empathy is important for children to learn as it helps them understand and connect with others. Teaching empathy to children can be done through a variety of exercises and activities.
The Mirror Exercise
The Mirror Exercise is a simple and effective way to teach empathy to children. All you need is a mirror and some quiet time. Have your child sit in front of the mirror and look at themselves. Ask them to describe what they see, including their emotions and thoughts. Then, have them imagine that they are looking at someone else in the mirror and describe what they see, including the other person’s emotions and thoughts. This exercise helps children develop empathy by encouraging them to see things from another person’s perspective.
The Gratitude Exercise
The Gratitude Exercise is a great way to teach empathy to children by helping them appreciate the things that they have in their lives. Have your child list things they are grateful for, such as their family, friends, or favourite toy. Then, encourage them to think about people who may not have the same things in their lives and how they may feel. This exercise helps children develop empathy by encouraging them to think about others who may be less fortunate.
The Feeling Words Exercise
The Feeling Words Exercise is a simple and effective way to teach empathy to children by helping them identify and express their emotions. Have your child make a list of feeling words, such as happy, sad, angry, or scared. Then, ask them to describe a time when they felt each emotion. Encourage them to think about how they would feel if someone else was experiencing that emotion. This exercise helps children develop empathy by encouraging them to recognise and understand the emotions of others.
The Listening Exercise
The Listening Exercise is a simple but powerful way to teach empathy to children by helping them develop active listening skills. Choose a topic your child is interested in and ask them to talk about it for a few minutes. Then, ask them to switch roles and listen while you talk about a topic of your choice. Encourage your child to ask questions and show interest in what you are saying. This exercise helps children develop empathy by teaching them to listen actively and show interest in others.
Reading Books
Reading books that focus on empathy and emotions is a great way to teach empathy to children. It helps them understand how others feel and how to relate to them. As Jacqueline Woodson, a children’s author, said, “Books allow us to connect with others and to understand their experiences. Reading can teach empathy.”
Talking About Emotions
Talking about emotions is a great way to teach empathy to children. It helps them understand their feelings and those of others. According to Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, authors of “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk,” “By talking about emotions, we help our children develop the ability to understand and respond to the feelings of others.”
Doing Acts of Kindness
Doing acts of kindness is a great way to teach empathy to children. It helps them understand how their actions can impact others and encourages them to be kind and caring. As Aesop, a Greek storyteller, said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Listening Without Judgement
Listening without judgement is an important part of empathy. It allows children to feel heard and understood. As Brené Brown, a researcher and author, said, “Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It is simply listening, holding space, and allowing someone to feel seen and heard.”
Practising Mindfulness
Practising mindfulness is an effective way to teach empathy to children. It helps them become more aware of their own emotions and those of others. As Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and author, said, “Understanding and compassion are the foundation of true love. When we are mindful, we can see clearly and develop understanding and compassion.”
Asking Questions
Asking questions is an effective way to teach empathy to children. It helps them understand others and encourages them to think about how others might feel. As J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, said, “Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.”
In conclusion, teaching empathy to children is an important part of their growth and development. It is essential to being human, and it is never too early to start teaching it to children.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
