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How Does a Child Learn Empathy? 

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy is important because it can...

Tony H

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy is important because it can help us better get along with other people and have a more fun social life. It can also help us avoid hurting others and allow us to better understand what they’re going through (and why others behave that way and why they make certain decisions). 

How children learn empathy 

Empathy is an essential ability, which is why we have to learn it and practice it regularly. It’s also essential for children so that they can play well with other kids and have more fun during playtime. 

But how do children learn and develop empathy? First, it’s actually hardwired for almost everyone to somehow feel the experiences of others. This is possible because of the “mirror neurons.” Literally, we have neurons that “mirror” others’ behaviour when we observe them. In other words, it’s like we’re doing the act itself even if we’re just observing. This helps us somehow feel what the other person is going through even if we’re not exactly experiencing it. 

Because it’s already built in and hardwired (newborns can already pick up emotional signals from people around), what’s left to do is that empathy should be further developed and practiced. We parents and adults can help children with this by: 

  • Modelling empathy (show empathy for others even if they’re different from you) 
  • Helping your children better understand that the world doesn’t revolve around them (e.g. when they’re with other kids, encourage taking turns when playing with a toy) 
  • Providing plenty of opportunities so children can practice empathy (let children talk and listen, asking your children about her playmates) 

As children further develop and build a more solid emotional and cognitive foundation, they can start to better feel and think about what others are feeling and going through. They can also better understand that there are others who might have a different background and perspective. At an early age, this can make their playtime experience (whether at home or early learning centre) more active and delightful.