Teaching the Virtues: Empathy
Empathy in Children
By Mary Dixon Lebeau
A kindergarten teacher shares this story: “The girls on the playground were immersed in a game of dodge ball – all except Kara, who stood outside the group looking on.”
“The girls asked her to play, but she shook her head. “I have severe asthma,” she told the other girls. “My mom doesn’t let me run around so much.”
“For a few seconds, the game continued. Then, suddenly, Jillian – one of the best athletes in the class – allowed herself to be hit by the ball. She was out, but instead of pouting, Jillian skipped over to Kara and said, “Come on, let’s go on the jungle gym.” The two girls headed over to the playground equipment, giggling.”
The teacher pauses, and then admits she isn’t used to seeing such empathy among young children. “Usually children of this age group think the world revolves around them,” she says. “But Jillian displayed a connection to Kara’s feelings, and was unselfish enough to act on it.”
In this society, it is valuable to relate to what another person is feeling. The only way we can grow into nurturing, caring, and self-aware adults is to learn the virtue of empathy – the understanding of how others feel and the ability to react with compassion to another’s situation.
Writer Mary Dixon LeBeau will return next month to teach the next important virtue, as part of our new parenting series “Teaching the Virtues.”
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