5 Ways To Teach Toddlers Empathy

Toddlers do not understand the concept of empathy until they reach the age of 8 or 9. Fortunately, the concept of empathy can be taught to toddlers early on by nurturing these budding displays of empathy.

1.     Teach them about emotions

Toddlers will be able to understand and manage their emotions when they are able to put a name to the behavior. For example, "Your sister felt sad when you grabbed her toy. What can you do to make her feel better?" It is never too early to recognize emotions and learn what they mean.

2.     Teach politeness

Polite manners are a great way for toddlers to show care and respect. The basic principals of saying "please" and "thank you" are phrases kids should be able to say automatically.

It's also important to explain that others are more likely to respond to his or her wants when they ask politely. Even if these phrases sound redundant at times, being polite shows how to treat others with respect, according to Baby Center.

3.     Point out other people's behavior

Putting notice when someone else behaves kindly will reinforce the toddler's own understanding of how other people's actions can emotionally affect them. Books also provide great opportunities to explore the emotions of characters. A great way to start is to ask your child what he or she thinks the character in a fairytale is feeling.

4.     Discuss feelings after conflicts

When a child calms down after a conflict, it is great to talk about what the child was feeling. Toddlers can be guided to help figure out how to express their feelings in a more open way.

It is important to let toddlers know that the parents care about how they feel by listening intently. For example, "You looked very frustrated when your brother took your car which is why you hit him. Hitting is not okay so maybe next time you could say that it was your turn and he could get the next."

5.     Manage personal conflict in your own life

Adults can fight a lot but arguments done in front of kids can have a bad impact. If tones and words cannot be placed under control, it is better to wait until children are not near. If toddlers do not see conflict resolution in a relationship, they will be unlikely to resolve conflicts in their own relationships later on, according to Modern Mom.