One Easy Way to Build Empathy
Want to teach her to be a kind and empathetic person? It can be as easy as opening a book. Empathy—the ability to understand and share how someone else is feeling—is one of the most valuable skills you can help her build. And storytime plays a big role in developing it by helping her see things from someone else's perspective. Here are five tips to get started:
1. Find the right stories.
The books and movies you share with her play a huge role in how she understands others. Look for stories that feature characters of different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences from your own. The best stories show empathy without feeling like a lesson. She'll see the world through someone else's eyes as she connects with different characters and storylines.
2. Know where to look.
Not sure where to start? Ask your local or school librarian. They can help you find books suited to her age and interests that highlight kindness and understanding others. Teacher and parent blogs are another great resource with tips for discussion guides.
3. Talk it out.
Take time to check in with her during the story. How does she think the character is feeling? How do different characters view the same situation? You'll give her a chance to think about things from a new perspective as she steps into someone else's shoes.
4. Reflect after reading.
Making connections between her feelings and the story helps her develop empathy. After you're done reading, ask her if she's ever felt the way the character felt, or what she would do if she were in their position. Ask her how she can show more kindness to people. These discussions become a way to put empathy into practice in her everyday life, beyond the story.
5. Share your own story.
Storytime doesn't have to stop after you close the book. Share your own experiences with her so she'll gain new perspectives and understanding. Let her know that everyone, even you, can continue to learn how to understand other people better.
Raising an empathetic girl isn't about one big conversation; it's about the small, everyday moments that add up over time. A shared story here, a thoughtful question there. Empathy helps her build stronger friendships, navigate conflict, and move through the world with kindness. Before you know it, she'll be the kind of girl who notices when someone needs a friend—and knows just what to do about it.
