Empathy for Others

Feel Those Feelings: Showing Empathy and Resolving Conflicts

The ability to understand another person's feelings is called empathy. Some children are naturally empathetic, but it is also a skill that should be taught and enforced. Developing a sense of empathy will not only help the people you show empathy to, but, as it turns out, empathetic people do better in school, their careers, and various social situations. Your child may be showing beginning signs of empathy. He may say sorry if he accidentally bumps into another child. He may show concern if a friend is crying and try to help by offering a toy or a snack. He may watch carefully how other children respond to situations. If you ask, he might be able to tell you how he thinks another person may be feeling or how to make that person feel better.

Has your child achieved the following Empathy of Others milestones yet? If yes, check off all of the skill(s) he has already mastered to date.