What is Empathy?
1. Lead by Example
YOU are your child(ren)'s number one example. The way you act towards others is the way they will too.
Sharing, using positive language, helping others — if we don't do these things, how can we expect our kids to do them?
2. Read Books About Kindness
Bedtime stories are a big deal in our house and part of our nightly routine. Not only does it help the girls settle down and get ready for sleep, this is also the perfect opportunity to introduce new concepts.
Silly stories are fun of course, but why not read stories that are focused on spreading kindness and helping others too?
The more kids are exposed to the idea of kindness and empathy, the more they will practice these things in their own lives.
3. Consume Positive Media
Speaking of exposing kids to good examples through books, it's important to make sure that ALL the media they experience teaches the lessons you want for them.
Even if the television is on in the background and you think they aren't paying attention, I promise your kids are listening! They listen to everything!
We try to be conscious of the messages that are in music, television, movies, etc. We also monitor what our kids watch on tablets during screen time. For this reason, we have a house rule that all screen time takes place in family areas, like the living room.
4. Point Out Examples of Kindness
When you see acts of kindness taking place, make sure to show your kids in that moment. "Did you see how that woman held the door open for the family behind her?"
Giving kids real life examples of acts of service makes them more likely to repeat those good deeds.
The same goes when you see an example of rudeness. When you get home or in another private place that's appropriate for the discussion, talk with your kids about what you saw and why that is not the way we treat others.
5. Care for Pets
If you have a family pet, make sure to include your kids in their care. Simple things such as giving fresh water to the dog teaches kids responsibility and nurturing other living things.
Providing examples of nurturing for kids is step one, but in order for them to truly "get it," kids need to be able to practice.
Gail Melson, professor of child development and family studies at Purdue University explains: “Nurturing isn’t a quality that suddenly appears in adulthood when we need it. […] People need a way to practice being caregivers when they’re young.”
6. Nurturing Play
If you don't have a family pet, dolls are another excellent way for kids to practice the nurturing skills we teach them. Even if you do have a pet, taking care of a doll is still beneficial — a child can never have too many opportunities to practice nurturing!
I've definitely seen the benefits of practicing nurturing through play with my girls, especially with their BABY born® Surprise™ Magic Potty Surprise dolls.
