Question

According to Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood, how can parents teach their toddlers about empathy and caring for others?

Answer 1

Empathy can be defined as the ability to be able to be in someone else's shoes. It is a skill that most toddlers find hard to learn. However, parents can certainly teach their toddlers to be able to care for another person by being kind and considerate. The child must understand that others have different thoughts and feelings which are not the same as theirs. Parents can teach their toddler to be empathetic towards others by firstly making their child feel secure and loved. Acceptance is the key. If a parent makes their child understood and accepted, the possibility of the child understanding others, doubles.

Children are keen observers. Children tend to imitate behaviour that a parent exhibits. For instance, if there is a visitor at home, the child is going to note and observe the way the visitor has been greeted. The toddler is most likely to feel safe and secure around the person which increases his ability to be kind to others.

Parents must try to make their toddlers aware of their peers feelings. If a friend at school is sad about having to say goodbye to his parents, the child must be encouraged to be kind towards his friend in actions like offering his favorite teddy or a toy. Also, parents must empathize with their child so that they learn to be empathetic towards others.