4 Jan 2013 ... character that they learn about how other people live. What kinds of struggles do
they contend with each day? How would they feel if they were ...
THE ULTIMATE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE ONE STUDENT AT A TIME!!!
E M PAT H Y Empathy means: I can imagine how you feel! Empathy means: Reading, understanding and responding to other people’s feelings.
PARENTS PERCH
JANUARY 2013
E M PAT H Y Young students: I can imagine how you feel! Older students/teens/adults: Reading, understanding and responding to other people’s feelings.
Week 1 Empathy defined: Reading and understanding other people’s feelings. Week 2 Predicting/communicating emotions: Educated guesses & “I feel” statements Week 3 The impact of emotions: Understanding how our actions impact others. Week 4 Listening & expressing concern: Showing people that their feelings matter
Dear Family,
another person’s emotions.
This month we will focus on the Powerful Word, “empathy.”
As children get older, they learn to recognize emotions and causes of emotions. They get better at inferring other people’s feelings. While society tends to emphasize empathy skills for girls more than boys, all humans need empathy to nurture relationships.
Empathy refers to our ability to “take a walk in someone else’s shoes” so we can imagine how they feel and respond appropriately. A crucial social skill, empathy allows people to problem solve together as well as make and retain friends. Without the ability to determine the emotions and take the perspective of others, children may choose to act in ways that are wholly self-serving. Young children can have trouble with perspectivetaking even though empathy, according to the research, is inborn. Through experience, learning and good parenting (yes; empathy must be nurtured!), young children learn that others have feelings and that their actions can impact
We know that our teens these days often spend a lot of time online. While a recent study by Stanford University suggests that social networking sites like Facebook are no replacement for real human interaction, a new World Vision 30 Hour Famine study has found that these sites aid teens with developing empathetic skills by making them more aware of the needs of others (Feb, 2012). Whether it’s through the internet, books or experience it’s vital to our children’s
For more Powerful parenting information, go to www.DrRobynSilverman.com. © 2013 Powerful Words Character Development
character that they learn about how other people live. What kinds of struggles do they contend with each day? How would they feel if they were in their shoes? What might they do to help others in need? The more we demonstrate empathy skills including listening, good communication, and naming emotions around our children, the more likely they are to adopt them and sharpen them for themselves. We look forward to partnering with you on discussing empathy this month. Here’s to your success! Best Regards, —Your Motivated and Dedicated Instructors UPCOMING POWERFUL WORDS February March April
Self-Control Anger Management Attitude
DEAR DR. ROBYN
JANUARY 2013
E M PAT H Y Young students: I can imagine how you feel! Older students/teens/adults: Reading, understanding and responding to other people’s feelings.
Dear Dr. Robyn, I find myself often telling my children that they need to think of others’ feelings more. They need to show more empathy and concern for each other as well as for their friends and classmates. Can you give me some ways to get this point across please?
Dear Kasey, Developing empathy in children is extremely important to social adjustment and relationships. In order to help your children become more cognizant and proficient in understanding other people and their feelings: (1) Point out people’s facial expressions and body language: When you are out at the playground, in the market or even reading a picture book with your child, point out people’s facial expressions and body language and talk about how they must be feeling. “He is frowning and his fists are clenched...how do you think he’s feeling?” or “Her mouth is wide open...she must be very surprised!” The more we can label feelings, the easier it is for our children to speak about their own feelings and the feelings of others. (2) Ask a series of questions: Sometimes our children act on feelings like anger or frustration in negative ways. They might hit,
-- Kasey M; Detroit, MI
yell, kick, throw or say something that they regret. Step back for a moment and ask; How were you feeling right before you, for example, pushed your friend (i.e. frustrated)? What happened when you did that (i.e. she cried)? What should you have done instead (i.e. asked her to give my game back)? What would have happened when you did that (i.e. maybe give it back to me)? We are teaching our children a system for a way to think through problems while also teaching empathy. (3) Trade roles: Give your child the chance to take a walk in someone else’s shoes. Role play! For example, have him hold the toy and swipe it from him. How did that feel? You can that refer back to that role play in the future to reinforce empathy when playing with others. Perspective is born out of experience. (4) Expose them to many cultures: Ensure that your children meet people from many different backgrounds and socio-
For more Powerful parenting information, go to www.DrRobynSilverman.com. © 2013 Powerful Words Character Development
