Most child and family psychologists can attest that household responsibilities and chores are a hot topic during initial meetings with parents. Questions often revolve around determining developmentally appropriate chores, deciding whether children should be paid for completing them, and navigating the power struggles that may arise.
As another school year approaches, many parents are focused on preparing their children for success. A flurry of purchases are made, lunch supplies are stocked, and schedules are coordinated, sweeping everyone up in its wake. Yet amid this rush to get everyone else ready, many parents overlook a key person: themselves!
Generally, parents intuitively sense when something their child hears or sees is beyond what they’re ready for or doesn’t quite align with their family values, but knowing how to respond in the moment isn’t always clear.
Empathy is an important social and emotional skill that helps children understand how others feel and to respond with kindness and compassion. As children work to develop empathy, they are better able to build friendships, resolve conflict, solve problems, and participate positively in their community. Empathy is something that grows over time as children develop, which means that parents can play a key role in helping their child learn and practice this skill in everyday moments. Just remember, as an adult you have a fully developed brain full of perspective-taking, emotional language, and understanding. As your child learns empathy there may be moments where they respond in a way that does not align with your more developed understanding of what it means to be kind and thoughtful. It will take patience and understanding as you support your child in learning about empathy through these small moments of daily practice.
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