Teaching empathy is a complex but important parenting task that can help make your kid grow up to be a truly good person. Empathy, defined as being able to relate to, understand and few connection with other people’s emotions, is a complex and multi-factor skill, according to extensive 2014 University of Chicago research. Recognition of nonverbal cues can be taught, but it is just important to show affection and emotional warmth and to make sure your child knows how to express his or her feelings healthily and openly. It is also crucial to help your kid engage with the world, and to display empathy yourself. Lastly, pets can be a great way to cultivate empathy — and it’s cute, too!

Key Takeaways:

• Parents do not only want a kid that is not a sociopath, but also one that is kind and considerate.
• To teach your child empathy, you can use nonverbal cues like hand gestures and facial expressions at an early age.
• Show your children lots of affection by hugging them to teach them empathy.

“even if that concern has never crossed your mind, you should still be thinking about how to actively teach your child to have empathy and compassion for others.”

Read more: https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/1139870/how-to-teach-your-kid-empathy