When most parents think of the characteristics they want to instill in their children, empathy is usually at the top of the list. After all, we want our kids to be considerate of other people's feelings. Caring children eventually become thoughtful, compassionate adults who take other people's feelings into consideration.{relatedarticles} While some kids are just empathetic by nature, other children need more guidance to hone their skills. There are things you can do to assist your child. Of course, it's important to lead by example. Be a role model. Whether you're dealing with your child, a friend or even a complete stranger, be kind. Encourage your child to do the same. Teach them to hold the door for others. Remind them to say "Bless you" when someone sneezes. If a kid on the playground looks like he or she could use company, point it out to your child and push your child to interact with the child. When your child does something that displays empathy, praise his or her actions. Applaud your child for doing a random act of kindness.
You also want to read people's expressions and body language so they're more in tune with how people are feeling. Another beneficial exercise is discussing emotions with your child. Get your child's take on how he or she perceives a person's response or emotional state. You want your child to be perceptive when it comes to dealing with others. Try to get your children to put themselves in others' shoes. {relatedarticles}Ask your child how they would feel if they were in a similar situation. You want your child to be able to relate to the plights of others. Explain to your children how other people are feeling. For example, say things to your children like, "Grandma gets lonely because she lives all by herself," or "Uncle Tommy is exhausted because he had to work hard all night, and hasn't gotten to sleep at all."