Nursery World - Child Development: 5 things you need to know about… empathy

What is empathy, how does it develop in the early years, and what can practitioners and parents do to support it? Ruth Thomson explains

1 WHAT IT IS

If the coronavirus pandemic has proved anything, then it is the importance of empathy – the ability to ‘walk in another’s shoes’.

Empathy involves the capacity to see and identify another’s feelings, take and value another’s perspective and respond appropriately. All elements of the process are important – for example, the ability only to share another’s emotions can leave a person overwhelmed and unable to respond; likewise, a person may be able to take another’s perspective yet not care.

It is worth noting, however, that research definitions of empathy continue to vary.

2 WHY IT MATTERS

Empathy gives us an emotional understanding of ourselves and others. It is a foundation for compassion and acting ethically and provides the basis for good friendships and other relationships, both loving and professional. Turning our attention to the plight of others during the coronavirus pandemic can also help us combat any feelings of isolation.

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