PARENT TIPS

Helping Your Child Understand and Show Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It goes beyond sympathy, as it involves truly putting oneself in someone else's shoes and experiencing their emotions. Teaching empathy to children is crucial because it fosters kindness, compassion, and understanding in their interactions with others. By learning to empathise, children develop stronger social skills, improved relationships, and a greater awareness of the diverse perspectives and experiences of people around them. Empathy also plays a vital role in conflict resolution and in creating a more inclusive and supportive community. As parents, nurturing empathy in our children helps them grow into caring individuals who contribute positively to society and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Here are some tips on helping your kids understand and show empathy:

Lead by Example: Children often learn empathy by observing how their parents/carers treat others. Show empathy in your own interactions and talk about why you respond the way you do.

Talk About Feelings: Encourage your child to identify and express their own emotions. Use feeling words and validate their emotions to help them understand that feelings are natural and important.

Listen Actively: When your child talks about their feelings or experiences, listen attentively without judgement. This shows them that their emotions matter and teaches them to listen empathetically to others.

Discuss Perspectives: Help your child see situations from different points of view. Ask questions like, "How do you think they feel?" or "Why do you think they did that?" This encourages empathy by considering others' feelings and motivations.

Read Books and Watch Movies: Choose stories that emphasize empathy and discuss them together. Ask questions about characters' feelings and how the story would change if they showed more empathy. E.g. Inside out and Beauty and the Beast.

Encourage Acts of Kindness: Support your child in performing small acts of kindness, like sharing toys or helping a friend in need. Praise and reinforce these behaviours.

Set Limits on Hurtful Behaviour: Teach your child that actions have consequences and help them understand when their actions may hurt others. Encourage apologies and make amends when necessary.

Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Empathy helps in resolving conflicts. Teach your child to negotiate and find solutions that consider everyone's feelings and needs.

Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude in your child by discussing things they appreciate and encouraging them to consider others' kindnesses.

Be Patient and Consistent: Developing empathy takes time and practice. Be patient with your child's progress and consistently model empathetic behaviour yourself.

Sara Ljuboja

School Counsellor

Free Parent Courses

https://aus.oltinternational.net/free-parents-courses

Blended Online Learning offers Specialised self-paced online courses that build

understanding, awareness, and knowledge about students with disability. The following courses are available for parents and are focused on helping parents and the family understand ADHD and Autism

Parent Courses - ADHD & Autism 

Parent and Carer Evening with Dr Justin Coulson at St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto

The St John's Catholic Parish Primary School Dapto Parents and Friends Association are excited to announce they are hosting a parent and carer information session with Dr Justin Coulson on Wednesday, 28 August 2024 at 6:30pm.

Dr Justin Coulson is the co-host and parenting expert on Channel Nine’s “Parental Guidance” and the founder of happyfamilies.com.au and is considered one of Australia’s most trusted parenting experts.

The parent session will focus on the topic of Resilience, in this session, parents will learn the psychological secrets that build their child’s sense of identity, strengths, and growth mindset in order to perform better, be happier, and build resilience.

Tickets can be purchased using this link https://events.humanitix.com/resilience-with-dr-justin-coulson-parental-guidance-workshop

The live session runs from 7:00pm-8:30pm and refreshments will be provided from 6:30pm on the night.

Free Program for Separating and Divorcing Parents

Family Transitions Triple P Online, developed by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is an easy-to-use online resource that gives proven tips and strategies for managing the transition in a way that can boost parenting confidence and minimise the impact on children.

e-Safety Commissioner Free webinars 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars 

Catholic Care - Group Programs for Term 3 2024

Our group programs can help adults and parents become the best versions of

themselves. We are available to attend your service to provide an overview of the groups we offer, speak in more detail about a particular group, or discuss other service offerings such as our individual groups or professional development sessions. Our range of groups focus on:

• strengthening relationships
• parenting
• post-separation
• supporting parents with children in care
• managing challenging emotions
• grief and loss

2024 Term 3 Strengthening Relationships - Course Flyer.pdf

Group programs are held in a supportive environment online or in-person at our Nowra, Campbelltown and Wollongong offices, with others who share similar life experiences. 

Click Here to Learn More About Our Group Programs

For more information or to make a booking please contact our Intake Service on 4254 9395 or email IntakeService@catholiccare.dow.org.au