REFLECTIONS
We must understand before we judge
*Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.
*True empathy requires that you step outside of your own emotions to view things entirely from the perspective of the other person.
*Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place.
IDEAS TO DO AS A FAMILY…
– MODEL EMPATHY AT HOME: Ask your child questions and empathize with them; demonstrate empathy with others, especially those who are different from you.
– SET HIGH ETHICAL EXPECTATIONS: Help children understand how big the world truly is; prioritize caring for others.
– OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPATHY: Have family meetings where children can voice their views; ask children about their peers and talk about the conflicts and have children consider their peers´ perspectives.
– MANAGE FEELINGS: help children understand their different emotions and how they can interpret the emotions of others; practice conflict resolution with your children.
CHARACTER CHECK
-Do I show empathy towards other people and think about their concerns before acting?
-When was the last time my child saw me empathize with a family member? A friend? A stranger?
-Do my children think the world revolves around them, or do they think about others´ feelings?
-Have I taken a moment today to consider the feelings of my partner? My children? My friend?
“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other´s eyes for an instant?”
–Henry David Thoreau
