Empathy helps children develop self-understanding and builds the social skills when they need to connect deeply with friends, family, and the people around them. 

In previous generations, many of us grew up through hardship, and in those circumstances, supporting one another was often necessary for survival. Therefore, empathy comes naturally to children. Today, however, many children grow up with far more comfort and privilege. That is why we need to be more intentional about creating opportunities for them to learn empathy and understand the experiences of others. 

So how to foster empathy in children?

As an educator, I believe one of the most powerful ways to nurture empathy is through shared experiences. Empathy can be cultivated from every small interaction they have with their parents, their teachers and their friends. Spending time and telling them stories of hardship, resilience, and perseverance can deeply shape their empathetic skills.

During children’s independent learning time, books and music are among the best resources for developing empathy. 

Why? 

When children read stories about other people’s lives, they begin to see the world from different perspectives. They discover that there are lives that completely different from their own, and they begin to understand what it might feel like to live that life. 

Music can also nurture empathy in a unique way. When children play or listen to a piece of music, they connect with human emotions. Music speaks through feeling. Through melody, rhythm, and expression, children learn to sense emotions beyond their own. 

So let’s show our children our patience and kindness today so they can offer empathy to people around them. Let’s spend time with them to tell them a story about hardship and resilience. Let’s encourage them to read stories, enjoy songs, and appreciate music. These experiences not only strengthen intellectual growth but also enrich children’s emotional world—and in doing so, help nurture empathy.