Building Empathy
With the Thanksgiving holiday, November is a time of the year when many families make a point to give back to their communities and think of others. In this month's blog post, I want to share some strategies for helping your child develop empathy. Empathy is the ability to imagine another person's feelings and what it would feel like to be in their shoes. Because students with dyslexia have experienced significant challenges early in life, I believe that empathy can be one of their superpowers! However, research indicates that many students with learning disabilities struggle to recognize emotions and think of others. Here are some ideas to help your child flex their empathy muscles:
1. Practice asking about questions about other people.
One effective way to develop empathy is by practicing asking questions about other people instead of just talking about oneself. This skill does not come naturally to most people, and it can be especially hard for children. Holiday gatherings are a great time to practice. Brainstorm with your child questions that they can ask their grandparents and family members. Your great uncle will be tickled when your child responds to his greetings with a question like, "How is your new puppy doing?"
2. Praise your child for caring about others.
It is important to praise your child when they express concern about a classmate, pet, or family member. Many kids are empathetic in their early school years but become more self-centered as teenagers. This is a normal part of development, but we can encourage kids of all ages to think of others first!
3. Find ways for your child to serve.
Volunteering as a family at a food bank or animal shelter is a great way to teach empathy. It allows your child to see firsthand the impact their actions can have on others. Additionally, visiting an assisted living center or sponsoring a child living in poverty through an organization such as Compassion International can provide valuable experiences that foster empathy.
4. Practice active listening.
Active listening is a crucial skill for developing empathy. All of us, including our kids, can get caught up in what we are going to say next instead of truly listening to other people. Model active listening by replying with phrases like, "What I hear you saying is..." This shows your child that you value their thoughts and feelings, and encourages them to do the same for others.
5. Interview an elder in your family or community.
Interviewing an elder in your family or community is an excellent way to help your child develop empathy. Brainstorm questions with your child and help them record the responses in writing or with a voice recording app. This activity not only fosters empathy but also strengthens the bond between generations.
6. Watch movies together and ask your child.
Watching movies together can be a fun and effective way to develop empathy. After watching a film, ask your child, "What do you think it feels like to be ____?" This encourages them to put themselves in the shoes of the characters and consider their emotions and experiences. Some suggestions of films that are great for developing empathy are Inside Out, Remember the Titans, and Rocket Boys.
Developing empathy is a lifelong journey, and it is especially important for children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia. By practicing asking questions about others, praising their caring nature, finding ways to serve, practicing active listening, interviewing elders, and watching movies together, you can help your child build empathy and become more compassionate individuals. Remember, empathy is a superpower that can positively impact their relationships and their ability to understand and connect with others.
