EMPATHY – Children, Parents and Grandparents
Princy is a small, cute girl who is always on the go. She used to mingle with others easily. However, she gets emotional over small things. She accidentally broke her friend’s new lunch box while running around the classroom desk. She got scared and started crying. After reaching home, she explained this to Grandma. Princy’s mother became enraged and began scolding her for her careless attitude.
“You’re shouting at a small girl, so why are you shouting at her?” Grandma interjected.
Is this an example of a lack of empathy? Do you believe Grandma’s intervention will have any effect on empathy?
In this case, the need for Princy must be examined.
Mothers’ motives are to be understood.
In addition, the grandmother’s previous experience with similar cases must be considered.
As her grandmother said, Princy, being a small child, needs support and guidance. The mother’s motivation is to correct her child and to have the child be “good” in her opinion (what constitutes “good” is a difficult fact…). The grandma, who is experienced, clearly understood the needs of the child; rather, she was aware of how to handle the child at that point in time.
Experience definitely matters, but in general, especially in the case of parenting, unless we have a guideline, have to wait for occasions to learn and gain experience. For the mother, who is less experienced in comparison with the grandmother, she might not be in a position to think of the needs of the child at that time.
Most of the time, we understand the literal meaning, but we are not always able to implement it whenever we need it. The word “empathy” is used frequently, but very few understand the other person’s emotional condition and motive.
While analyzing an incident, we are only able to understand the action we took and what it was supposed to be. Empathy is more than a feeling of sympathy for another person. So, when we are trying to put ourselves in another person’s place, we are about to understand his feelings and experiences. This is not that simple, but also that difficult.
In parenting, the empathy part can make marvelous changes in the relationship. A secure attachment is about the security, care, and protection of our child. We are less likely to become angry or aggressive if we can cognitively understand his/her point of view. Also, we may not respond poorly to the child. A well-developed emotional empathy makes us well connected with the child’s inner emotional world. A secure parent-grandparent-child attachment will definitely help improve the emotional and psychological health of children, which assures their care and protection.
Role of parents in developing empathy
Parenting is a complex and rewarding job, and having empathy is an important part of being a successful parent. Parents need to be able to understand and share the feelings of their children. This allows parents to relate to their children’s experiences, which helps foster a strong connection between them and their children. Empathy is also essential for providing the love and support that children need to develop into confident and secure adults. Parents who demonstrate empathy are better able to recognize their children’s feelings and provide appropriate guidance and discipline. In addition, children with parents who are empathetic are more likely to develop healthy relationships with their peers and adults. Empathy is one of the most important skills for parents to have in order to ensure their children feel loved and supported.
Role of grandparents in developing empathy
Grandparents play a crucial role in developing empathy in their grandchildren. They provide a unique source of comfort and unconditional love that can help children understand and appreciate the feelings of others. Grandparents can also offer wisdom and insight on social issues, allowing children to gain a better understanding of how their actions can affect those around them. Additionally, grandparents can help children practice the art of active listening and problem-solving skills, which are essential for developing empathy.
Grandparents can also provide grandchildren with opportunities to interact with people of different ages, backgrounds, and beliefs, further enriching their understanding of the world. Ultimately, grandparents can be a lifeline of support and compassion, which can help foster empathy in their grandchildren.
How to develop empathy in Children
To develop empathy in children, consider reading stories that emphasize understanding and acceptance of different perspectives.
Encourage your children to practice perspective-taking by asking them to imagine how someone else might be feeling or how they might view a situation differently.
Spend quality one-on-one time with each of your children, and ensure you ask them open-ended questions.
Model empathy by actively listening to your children and expressing understanding when they share their feelings.
Help your children practice self-awareness by encouraging them to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings.
Provide opportunities for your children to volunteer or serve in their community.
Teach them how to recognize and manage their emotions.
Discuss how to handle disagreements in a respectful and constructive way.
Make sure to show appreciation for your children’s efforts and successes.
Lastly, show empathy to others in your daily life, as parents can become an example for their children.
Few Challenges in Developing Empathy
Developing empathy within a family can present several challenges. Some of the areas I have personally experienced include mood changes in both children and parents, the dynamics of a nuclear family, and the demands of a busy life.
The behavior of parents towards their children may not always align with the children’s preferences, especially in situations where parents make decisions, they believe are beneficial for their children.
Children often encounter difficulties in situations where others do not show empathy towards them.
