6 Ways to Teach Empathy to Kids
Within: 6 uncomplicated strategies that parents can use to teach empathy to kids. Sponsored by BABY born Surprise™.
And so…Nosotros've hit the "Mine" Stage
My youngest daughter is currently going through the "mine" phase. If you've e'er been a parent of a two or three-year-one-time then you know exactly what I'm talking about!
According to the "experts," this is the age when kids acquire most the concept of possessions and brainstorm to assert their independence.
While totally normal, it's obviously not the behavior we're going for, am I correct??
Instead of just saying "no" all the time and focusing on correcting the unwanted behavior, another constructive strategy is to instead model the behavior we want and focus on teaching empathy.
What is Empathy?
Empathy at its cadre is the ability to sense other people's emotions and sympathize how they are feeling. Nosotros can improve relate to others when we know what they're going through.
Empathy is a skill that is learned, just like walking and talking. As our kids develop this skill, you'll observe that there's less of the "me" and "mine" and that they play amend with other kids, share more, etc. It all boils down to the golden rule of treating others how nosotros desire to be treated!
The awesome folks at BABY born® recently sent my youngest daughters each a Magic Potty Surprise doll. They also sent ii extra for our yearly toy bulldoze — what a fab example of spreading kindness!
In this post I'll explain how pretend play can accept a big bear on when it comes to education empathy, compassion, and kindness.
vi Ways to Teach Empathy to Kids
While I don't consider myself a parenting practiced per say, I am raising three piddling girls that are turning into pretty absurd people. They're definitely bear witness that this works!
1. Atomic number 82 by Example
YOU are your child(ren)'s number ane example. The way you act towards others is the way they will as well.
Sharing, using positive language, helping others — if we don't do these things, how can we await our kids to exercise them?
2. Read Books About Kindness
Bedtime stories are a big deal in our house and part of our nightly routine. Not merely does reading aloud together assistance the girls settle down and go prepare for sleep, this is also the perfect opportunity to innovate new concepts.
Empty-headed stories are fun of course, only why not read stories that are focused on spreading kindness and helping others likewise?
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 adept examples through books, it's of import to make sure that ALL the media they experience teaches the lessons you lot desire for them.
Fifty-fifty if the television is on in the background and you recollect they aren't paying attention, I promise your kids are listening! They listen to everything!
Nosotros try to be witting of the messages that are in music, television, movies, etc. Nosotros also monitor what our kids watch on tablets during screen time. For this reason, we take a house rule that all screen fourth dimension takes place in family areas, like the living room.
iv. Bespeak out Examples of Kindness
When you see acts of kindness taking place, brand sure to show your kids in that moment. "Did you see how that adult female held the door open for the family behind her?"
Giving kids existent life examples of acts of service makes them more likely to repeat those expert deeds.
The aforementioned goes when you lot come across an example of rudeness. When you lot get home or in another individual 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.
Related: 110 Random Acts of Kindness for Kids
v. Intendance for Pets
If y'all have a family pet, brand sure to include your kids in their care. Unproblematic things such every bit giving fresh water to the canis familiaris teaches kids responsibleness and nurturing other living things.
Providing examples of nurturing for kids is footstep 1, 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 machismo when nosotros need it. […] People need a way to practice beingness caregivers when they're young."
6. Nurturing Play
If y'all don't have a family pet, dolls are another excellent mode for kids to practise the nurturing skills we teach them. Even if you do have a pet, taking care of a doll is still beneficial — a kid tin can never haveas well 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.
Who is Babe built-in Surprise™ Magic Potty Surprise?
Infant born Magic Potty Surprise is a magical toddler doll! Give her a drink of h2o, feed her doll nutrient and put in a potty pod, then she pees glitter and poops charm s!
Yep, you read that correct! Glitter poop!! That definitely got my kids' attending and they couldn't wait to endeavor out their new toys!
Dolls that pee and poop are non necessarily a new thing, merely this is the first doll that pees glitter and poops charms! Information technology'due south silly fantastical fun that is sure to bring the giggles and go young imaginations going!
Kids tin can collect the charms and put them on the included charm bracelet.
Essentially, these cute footling charms are rewards for nurturing the doll. Give her a drink of water, feed her doll food and put in a potty pod, then she pees glitter and poops charms.
My girls got such a kick out of this! They couldn't look to see what charms would be revealed with each meal! (You can see lots of video demos on the Baby built-in Surprise™ YouTube channel!)
Two year olds are non known for being gentle with toys, simply I was surprised to see that my youngest daughter took such care with her Magic Potty Surprise doll. I loved watching her cradle her doll as she carried her around, and she even patted her head and spoke to her gently.
My daughter particularly loves to castor her doll's hair, though she's careful non to mess up the pigtails because she actually likes them!
Each Magic Potty Surprise doll comes with:
- 9 doll nutrient packets
- ten potty pods with surprise charms inside
- Plate, spoon, and sippy cup
- Doll potty
- Pilus brush
- Doll pacifier
- Kid-sized charm bracelet
Another thing I beloved about these dolls is that there are a variety of skin and hair options — my girls finally have dolls that look like them! Toys and brands that embrace diversity are important to our family.
If you're looking for a truly unique gift this holiday season, click here to check out the whole line of Baby built-in Surprise™ dolls and toys!
How do you piece of work on pedagogy empathy to your kids? I'd love to hear your tips in the comments!
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Stacey is the creator of The Soccer Mom Blog, a Houston Texas mom weblog that focuses on positive living for women and families. She loves to share real nutrient recipes, money-saving tips, parenting encouragement, kids activities, DIY tutorials, home hacks, fitness, and so much more! To go to know Stacey even better, click here.
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