PARENTING
How to encourage empathy in your child By Mimi Nicklin Empathy levels have declined by forty percent in the last thirty years, according to a recent study by University of Michigan. This decline in empathy levels is impacting our emotional health and increasing levels of bullying in schools and violence in wider society. So how do we ensure we are responsible parents who help our children connect with others and fully understand those around them? We can’t help but look to the next generation to drive a far deeper sense of empathy between all of us. Studies have now shown that from two years of age, children start to show genuine empathy; understanding how other people feel even when they don’t feel the same way that they do. So we need, as parents, to nurture empathy from an early age. There are many ways we can empower our children to truly develop the emotional intelligence our world needs. At its core, the role-modelling that we apply at home is probably the most key of these, showing our children how empathy looks and how we put the feelings and reality of others at the forefront of our actions. Our children will follow our lead. But beyond this, the secret to creating empathy may lie in the books and stories we give our children access to. Bedtime stories. Day-time stories. Life-time stories. However stories are told, storytelling with your children can
The Look Out Discovery Centre
be an incredibly powerful tool for helping them gain new perspectives and create shared understanding with those around them. Emotional simulation and imagination through storytelling is the foundation of our children’s ability to evolve their capacity to empathise and truly understand others. It allows them to make the leap from their own beautifully self-centered world to understanding that others may feel distinctly different to them and that recognising this is well within their reach and role. Academic research now shows that reading, or being read to, changes the neuro pathways in our brain. It quite literally alters the way we process and think. Creating empathy is, of course, not limited to storytelling alone, but it’s a proven way to support our children as they grow in a world that has increasingly low empathy. How to be an empathetic role-model at home Be present: Try and make sure people always feel like they are the only person in the room. When you are talking to them, ensure you are using active listening to provoke deeper understanding.
Over 90 activities of hands-on science and discovery fun for children of all ages! BOOK ONLINE and enter TVW2022 at checkout for 10% off admission
A great family day out whatever the weather!
OPEN
every day
W NOPEN O Offering a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, food boxes and freshly baked cakes, plus a wide variety of hot and cold drinks and ice creams.
www.facebook.com/thelookoutdiscovery @thelookoutbracknell www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out-discovery-centre Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7QW 8 Families Thames Valley West
Phrases like “what I’m hearing you say is” makes them feel encouraged and engaged, as well as ensuring you really do hear what is being communicated to you. Tune in: We are naturally wired to empathise, yet so often we spend our time with our family, in a shared physical environment but barely connect beyond the topic at hand, especially if we are busy with chores or dealing with long ‘to-do’ lists and family routines. Take an active focus on connecting with the feelings and emotions of those around you at home with a more committed approach to imagining how they feel. Lean forward: Remembering that most of our communication is non-verbal, be conscious of using your body language to promote mutual connection. Lean inward and ensure your body language is open, with uncrossed arms and that your eye contact remains focused. Mimi Nicklin (www.empathyeverywhere.com) is a globally recognised millennial thought-leader, host of the Top 5 ranked The Empathy for Breakfast Show podcast. She is also an internationally bestselling author of the book Softening the Edge. Familiesonline.co.uk
