Show Notes:
There are many ways we can help kids develop more empathy resulting in them having greater courage, stronger relationships, and the ability to solve problems peacefully.
What is empathy?
Dr. Jordan describes what empathy is and the importance of perspective taking. He describes several ways he works with groups of girls in classrooms and at his camps to get in the shoes of their peers and see things from their point of view.
Ways to help kids develop more empathy
There are numerous ways to support your children to develop more empathy including pretend play, reading together and reading history and pausing to ask questions about how characters are feeling and how they might feel in that situation. Dr. Jordan discusses the value of helping kids empathize with people who are different from them and to respect people of all races, religions, and other characteristics.
He also points to the importance of acknowledging kids whenever they go out of their way to show kindness and compassion, in big ways and small.
The African concept of Ubuntu demonstrates empathy in action
Finally, Dr. Jordan describes the African concept of Ubuntu as a way to think of empathy and interdependence.
For more great ideas about supporting girl’s emotional lives, watch Dr. Jordan’s online course, Parenting girls: The challenges girls face today with their feelings and friends and what they need
