When adults dismiss children’s feelings, we essentially tell them that their problems are unimportant. They become stuck in their negative emotions and direct their anger toward the adult. As soon as we empathize, they feel understood and can move forward to solve their problem or can let go of their negative emotions. This creates good feelings and builds a child’s self esteem. It improves the relationship between parents and children.
Carl Rogers,an eminent psychotherapist, maintains that when parents use empathy with their child, he/she will be more self-directing, socialized and mature. When clinicians and teachers use empathy, their clients/students will become self initiated learners, more original, self disciplined and less anxious.
Daniel Goleman, the author of the groundbreaking book “Emotional Intelligence”, encourages parents and caretakers to learn how to deliver empathy to their children. He further states that parents who are more empathetic and manage their children’s feelings effectively will have better relationships with their children. He cites studies that have shown that children of empathetic parents are better able to manage their own difficult emotions, can soothe themselves and get angry less often. They are also more relaxed. These children have good social skills and are liked by their peers. Overall, they have fewer behavior problems, good attention skills and are more effective learners.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK. WHAT ARE SOME OTHER ADVANTAGES TO
USING EMPATHY WITH OUR CHILDREN? TELL US YOUR STORIES ON HOW
EMPATHY CHANGED YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD.
Learn how to deliver empathy to your child in our upcoming “How To Talk” workshop.