The Bear or the Deer
EMPATHY
“the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to and vicariously experiencing the thoughts, feelings and experiences of another, without having those thoughts, feelings and experiences communicated in an fully explicit manner”
In young children, learning empathy helps to build confidence, foster relationships with peers, encourages tolerance and acceptance, and promotes positive mental health. Empathy adds to emotional intelligence, building healthy relationships and doing well at work.
Why, however, you may be wondering, is empathy important during this time?
We are being encouraged to stay inside and socially distance ourself from others. Our interactions are limited to our immediate family and those that live in our home. But as research in Current Directions in Psychological Science highlighted, strengthening concern for others is the best way to combat feelings of isolation.
Doing this is not easy however, and as Brene Brown points out, the “only way to create genuine empathic connection is to get in touch with our own fragilities”.
Start there
Be open with your feelings and allow your self to feel what others in our world are feeling now.
Use this article for tips to cultivate empathy and raise kind children. Watch the video below.
Then decide, do I want myself, my children and my family to be the bear or the deer?
Emily Martin, MS
