Empathy starts in childhood

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, develops over time and begins in early childhood. It is not something that appears suddenly but is built through experiences and interactions with those around us.

Parents shape emotional learning

Parents play a crucial role in helping children develop empathy. They can guide their children to look beyond what they see and instead consider the emotions of others, encouraging them to ask questions rather than offering immediate answers.

Observing adults builds empathy

Children learn by watching how adults respond to the world. According to Catherine Rioult, a clinical psychologist, empathy is built gradually through attention to emotions, how they are expressed, and how they are received by others.

Modeling empathy is essential

To help their child develop empathy, parents must lead by example. By listening, trying to understand others, and avoiding quick judgments, adults show children how to connect with others in meaningful ways.

Encouraging emotional awareness

Parents can help children become more emotionally aware by asking them to observe and interpret the emotions of others. For instance, when a classmate receives a gift, a parent might ask, "How was he? What expression did his face have?" This helps children recognize non-verbal cues.

Accepting and naming emotions

It is important for adults to help children recognize and name emotions, even when they are difficult. Explaining that someone might be sad or angry helps children understand that these feelings are valid and can be accepted without fear.

Normalizing negative emotions

Negative emotions, such as anger or sadness, are a natural part of life. Parents should remind children that it is normal to feel these emotions and that they are temporary. This helps children understand that emotions do not last forever and that it is okay to feel them.