Empathy Starts with Noticing!
In this blog, Jess reminds us of the importance of helping kids develop and exercise their empathy muscles. How? We can start by helping them develop the skill of noticing - the faces, the people, and the world around them.
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When we think about the “big skills” our kids need to thrive, empathy might not be the first thing that pops into our heads 🤔.
But honestly? Empathy is like a superpower for mental health, right from the early years and all the way into adulthood.
And here’s the thing: empathy doesn’t just switch on by itself. It starts with noticing 👀.
If children don’t notice what’s happening around them: how someone looks, what tone they’re using, or what their body language says; they won’t have the chance to tune into how that person might be feeling.
That’s why protecting your child’s attention is so important. In a world full of digital distractions, we need to make some space for screenfree time so kids can practice really noticing the people and world around them 🌍👫.
💡 Why empathy matters so much (especially early on)
It starts with awareness.
Kids who notice others: facial expressions 😯, body language ✋, feelings 💓, are much better able to connect and respond to others. Screens and smartphones, however, compete for that precious attention and can weaken this vital noticing skill.
It builds better friendships.
Kids who practise empathy connect more easily 🤝, share more readily 🧃🍎, and solve conflicts in healthier ways.
It’s a buffer for mental health.
Empathy and emotional awareness protect against anxiety 😟 and depression 🌧️. In other words, empathy is like a long-term investment in your child’s wellbeing.
It grows into kindness that lasts a lifetime.
Empathetic kids often grow into adults who build supportive communities 🏡🌏 and lead with compassion.
👉 And if you’ve ever worried your child might be too empathic 😬, you’re not alone. Some parents fear their kids will give too much of themselves and get taken advantage of. The good news is: empathy generally only becomes a problem when children don’t also learn to balance ⚖️ the needs of others with care for themselves. Teaching kids that it’s okay to set boundaries and look after their own wellbeing is part of raising kind and confident children.
🌼 Simple ways to raise an empathic little human...🌼
You don’t need flashcards or fancy programs to nurture empathy. It happens in everyday moments. Here are a few fun, doable tips you can start using right away:
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Talk about feelings... A LOT!
Name your own feelings 😃😴 and encourage your child to do the same: “I'm feeling a bit tired today, how about you? How are you feeling?" 💬 This makes emotions less mysterious and easier to identify and manage.
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Play pretend
Use dolls 🧸, toys 🚂, or stories 📖 to imagine what a character might be feeling: “Teddy lost his toy. How do you think he feels?" Role-play is a playful way to practice perspective-taking.
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Help kids practice noticing
Draw their attention 👀 to clues about how others might be feeling: “Look at how Toby is sitting - what do you think he's feeling?" 🤔 These small prompts help kids tune in as they learn to empathise.
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Reflect at the end of the day
At bedtime 🌙, ask gentle prompts like: “What was something you noticed about your friends today?" or “Did you see anyone looking happy or upset at preschool/school today?"
Little reflections build awareness over time 🕰️.
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Model healthy boundaries
Let your child see that it’s okay to care for others 💛 and care for themselves 💆♂️☕. For example: “I know you'd like me to play right now, but I need a rest. I'll join you in a minute".This teaches kids that empathy doesn’t mean saying yes to everything, it means balancing your needs with the needs of others ⚖️.
🌟 The Takeaway 🌟
Empathy begins with noticing 👀, and tuning in to what’s going on for other people. By weaving these little noticing and empathy-building moments into everyday life, you’re giving your child tools 🧰 for strong relationships.
All of this is why it’s so important to balance screentime with making space for sitting, looking and noticing others with your child. [Recent research suggests that excessive time on digital devices can significantly compromise children's attentional capacities.]
Promoting your child's ability to pay attention and truly see others 👀 is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child 🎁. You'll not only be growing their empathy muscles, you'll also be giving them the tools to thrive emotionally and socially over the long-term.
