Creating connection through empathy

Or what to say to make your children understand that you love them unconditionally

Why Is Empathy Important & The Science Behind Empathy

Here you will learn the impact of empathy in parenting and delve into the science behind this skill. Empathy is not just a buzzword. It is a tool for building stronger emotional bonds. At the same time, it’s the best way to build closeness in our relationships with our children.

We will help you understand empathy. It is the ability to understand another person’s emotions and experience them from their perspective. It involves acknowledging their feelings and also responding with compassion and support. Scientific research has shown that empathy is important for social development, emotional intelligence, and building secure attachment between parents and children (Eisenberg et al., 2006).

Another study (Meng et al., 2020), demonstrated that children raised by empathetic parents are more likely to become empathetic. By modeling empathetic behavior, parents cultivate a sense of empathy in their children.

Instead of correcting them right away, pause and try to understand why your children act or feel the way they do. This helps break generational patterns and encourage a deeper connection through empathy. Understanding children’s perspectives creates an environment where they feel seen, heard and valued. Imagine your child displaying anger and causing a scene in public. Instead of responding with anger or threats, choose empathy by acknowledging their frustration, saying, “I can see that you’re feeling frustrated, which is why you’re raising your voice and using unkind words. It’s important to remember that even when we’re angry, we can still be respectful and kind.” This empathetic approach promotes emotional well-being and improves communication, trust, and mutual respect.

By meeting their need for Relatedness, you teach your children to develop a greater sense of well-being and self-love.

Learn how to use empathy to cultivate a stronger bond with your child by accessing this free program. Find it in the Parents App and please share your inspiring story in the testimonials section.

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How to Show Empathy

Here you will learn effective ways to show empathy to your child:

  • Listen Actively. By genuinely listening to your child, you show empathy. Give them your undivided attention. Maintain eye contact, and use verbal and nonverbal cues to show that you value your child’s thoughts and feelings. Imagine your child comes home from school and says, “Mom, my friends excluded me today, and it made me so sad.” In response, pause, make eye contact, and say, “I’m here for you. It sounds like that experience was hurtful. Can you tell me more about what happened?”.
  • Perspective-Taking. Encourage your child to express their feelings and concerns. Make an effort to see things from their perspective. Make them feel understood and validated. Imagine your child is frustrated after receiving a low grade on a project, even though they put in a lot of effort. In response, you can say, “I appreciate you sharing your perspective, and I recognize the hard work you invested. It’s important to me that you feel supported. Let’s talk about how we can address this with your teacher or find ways to improve for the future.”
  • Validate their Emotions. Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. Teach them that it’s okay to experience a wide range of emotions. By doing so, you make them feel heard and supported. Imagine your child is feeling scared about going on stage for the school play the next day. You can say, “I can see that you’re feeling scared, and it’s completely normal to feel that way before a big performance. It’s okay to have those emotions, and I want you to know that I’m here to support you and cheer you on.”
  • Express Unconditional Love. Show your child love and acceptance, regardless of their behavior or accomplishments. When they feel safe and loved, they are more likely to open up, communicate, and form a deeper bond with you. Imagine your child tells you, “Mom, I messed up again. I failed my math test.” The best way to respond in this situation would be to hug them and say, “We all make mistakes, and it’s important to learn from them. I want you to know that I’m here to support you, and together, we can work on improving and understanding the material better.”

Empathy is a bridge that connects parents and children on a profound emotional level. When you are empathetic, you can strengthen your connection with your children. Remember, this is a skill that can be cultivated and developed over time. Enjoy its transformative power see your relationship with your child blossom.

Deepen your bond with your child. Try our free mini-course in the Parents app. Learn empathetic phrases that make your child feel loved and understood.

By incorporating these strategies into your parenting approach, you can create a nurturing and empathetic environment for your child, promote their emotional well-being and strengthen the bond between you. Be empathetic with your child, even during the most difficult times, and your relationship with your child will immediately improve.

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