What Is Empathy?
Mark Ruffalo and Murray talk about what the word "Empathy” means.
Watch the video together, then point out that Murray had some trouble understanding what “empathy” meant: it’s the ability to understand and care about how someone else is feeling. There are different ways to build empathy at each age:
Babies
Notice how your baby reacts to your different facial expressions. Babies as young as six months old look to their caregivers to figure things out. When passing a baby to a grandparent to hold, you might smile warmly and reassuringly.
Toddlers
When kids recognize and label their own feelings, they can better recognize those of others—a key part of empathy. Try using “feeling” words in everyday moments. “Do you feel sad without your teddy bear?” or “That ice cream made you happy!”
Preschoolers
As children begin to interact more and more with others, tough situations come up (tussles over toys, making new friends, or deciding on the next game). In those times, asking kids to see the impact of their actions on someone’s feelings builds empathy. (“John is sad that he hasn’t picked a new game yet like everyone else. Can you give John a turn to pick a game from the box?”)
Bubble Time
A quiet activity such as blowing bubbles can help both children and adults breathe deeply, slow down… and calm down.
Safe & Together
When families have to leave home in order to stay safe, it helps to remember that home is where the love is.
Listen, Feel, and See with Elmo
When children are in the hospital, this mindfulness game can help them soothe themselves.
Cookie Monster’s Beach Day
When children are in the hospital, their imagination can become a valuable tool in soothing themselves.
Monster Meltdown
Meltdowns happen… but they are somewhat predictable! As you try to handle them, curiosity and patience go a long way.
Using Your Words
A coloring page helping children explore words for big feelings.
Toddler Tips: Meltdowns
Strategies for during and after a meltdown…and even some ways meltdowns might be avoided.
