Empathy is a superpower. It’s the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and imagine how they feel. For children, learning empathy not only strengthens relationships but also fosters collaboration, kindness, and emotional intelligence — skills that remain vital in a world where technology can’t replace human connection.
Why empathy matters early
Research shows that perspective-taking in early childhood builds stronger social bonds and supports moral development.1 Empathetic children are more cooperative, less aggressive, and better able to navigate complex social situations. These skills translate to greater success in school, teamwork, and leadership later in life.
Ways to nurture empathy at home
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Role play. Pretend to be different characters and discuss how they might feel.
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Books as windows. Ask, “How do you think this character feels?” while reading.
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Family conversations. Talk openly about your own feelings and invite children to share theirs.
These moments help kids practice noticing and responding to emotions in themselves and others.
Helping them stay engaged
If needed, prompt them with gentle questions: “How would you feel if that happened to you?” This makes empathy concrete and easier to grasp.
Why it matters for tomorrow
In the future, empathy will help children build meaningful relationships and lead with compassion. Perspective-taking makes them not only more caring but also more effective collaborators.
The Science
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Brownell, C. A., Svetlova, M., & Nichols, S. R. (2009). To share or not to share: When do toddlers respond to another’s needs? Infancy, 14(1), 117–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/15250000802569868