Your baby is thick? 5 ways to develop empathy

Children often show kindness to strangers without being told. Some kids find empathy hard - adults need to teach it. The text below lists simple ways to help children learn care for others while they grow.

Empathy means that a child sees how another person feels and then acts in a helpful way. Babies notice feelings around six months old - yet true empathy grows slowly as the child meets people and watches what happens. Friends and daily events give the lessons.

Parents shape the child's path. The child copies what the parent does. If a parent soothes a scared toddler instead of scolding, the child learns to soothe others. When a parent names the child's own upset and stays close, the child later names and eases the upset of peers.

Point out the results of the child's acts. After the child grabs a toy, say, “Look at Sam's face - he feels sad.” Then give a clear next step: “Let us hand Sam the bear while you wait for the truck.” The child links action feeling and fix.

Live the lesson. Speak gently to family, help a neighbor who just lost a job and let the child watch or join. Bring the child along to visit a sick relative or to pack food for people who lack meals. Real faces and real stories plant deep concern.

Pretend games train the heart. Act out a lost puppy or a new kid at school with dolls or stuffed toys. The child tries kind words and helpful moves in play - the real moment feels less strange.

A small pet speeds the same lesson. The child feeds the cat, notices when it hides and keeps its water fresh. The habit of watching another creature's needs stretches easily toward care for people.