The EQ stands for ‘emotional quotient’, which determines an individual’s emotional intelligence. A person with higher EQ can understand their own feelings, have feelings for others, know how to exercise self-control, and control their emotions.

The EQ is considered more important than the IQ to achieve success. Therefore, teaching children empathy at preschool and at home is essential, leading to higher EQ.

 

Why do Children need to learn Empathy?

Young children are concerned about their needs and feelings. Thus, learning empathy enables the children to consider the feelings and needs of others along with their own. It also becomes possible for them to understand how their actions or different situations may impact others’ feelings. The children who develop a sense of empathy in the learning center –

  • Build a sense of security.
  • Develop stronger bonds with other kids and adults, which enables them to learn better from others.
  • Learn tolerance.
  • Learn to accept others as they are.
  • Have better mental health.

When children learn to be empathetic in the early education centers, they learn to promote social harmony. It is unlikely for the kids, who are empathetic to the needs or situations of others, to become a bully. When compassionate children grow up to be adults, they are likely to –

  • Have the ability to understand the people in their personal, professional, and social life
  • Achieve a higher level of happiness with a reduction in stress
  • Achieve more success in personal and professional life
  • Become a compassionate and capable leader
  • Have the ability to efficiently handle and resolve conflicts

How to Teach Empathy to Kids

Kids learn to be empathetic if these steps are followed by the teachers in a child care center and parents at home.

  • Let children name their feelings.
  • They can understand others’ feelings when they learn to recognize their feelings.
  • Talk to kids about others’ feelings.
  • They learn to think about others’ perspectives and develop emotional language.
  • Let them take care of plants and animals.
  • They realize that they can help other living beings in thriving and survive.