Nurturing Empathy in Young Children: How to Teach Connection and Kindness
- Gina Gersh
- May 30
- 2 min read
Empathy is one of the most important social-emotional skills a child can develop—but it doesn’t happen overnight. While it may seem like some children are “naturally kind,” most empathy is taught. With the right support, children can learn how to recognize feelings, reflect on their impact, and respond with care.
In the early years, children see the world through their own lens. They aren't being rude or careless—they're simply learning how the world works. Our job isn’t to expect adult-level insight, but to plant the seeds of empathy and nurture them as they grow.
Why empathy matters:
Builds social awareness
Supports emotional intelligence
Strengthens relationships
Supports conflict resolution
Encourages prosocial behavior
Encourages sense of value and meaning
What you can do to nurture empathy:
Direct their attention to emotion. Point out facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice. “Do you see his frown? He looks disappointed.”
Name your own feelings. When we share our emotions, we model vulnerability and reflection. “That made me feel proud. I’m so happy you helped!”
Teach about impact. Help your child notice how their actions affect others. “When you helped her, she smiled. That was kind.”
Praise their empathy. Don’t let those moments pass! “You checked on him—that shows you care.”
Use curious language. “What do you think he felt when that happened?” Questions build self-reflection and emotional thinking.
Guide without shame. If your child misses a social cue, avoid scolding. Instead, offer a gentle redirect: “Hmm, let’s think about how she might have felt.”
Model kindness. Your behaviour is the best teacher. When you show compassion, they absorb it.
Remember: The reward isn’t external—it’s internal. The warm feeling of helping, the joy of connection, the glow of being understood… these are what fuel true empathy. And the more we help children tune in, the more it becomes a part of who they are.
Empathy is a muscle we help them grow. And with time, it becomes one of the strongest forces shaping how they treat others—and themselves.
Need support in guiding behaviour with more intention? You don’t have to be in crisis to want new parenting tools. Whether you’re facing daily power struggles or simply want a more connected approach to things like sharing, transitions, or emotional outbursts—support is available.
Let’s work together to turn everyday moments into teachable ones.💬 Book a free call or explore behaviour coaching options here.
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