Infants and toddlers are typically egocentric: they display immediate responses to their own needs and feelings, and remain unaware of the needs and feelings of others. Although newborns may cry at the sound of another baby's cries, and infants may show sensitivity to the moods and body language of their caregivers, empathetic awareness does not begin to develop until the toddler stage, which marks the transition from infancy to childhood.
Definition
Empathetic awareness is a form of emotional intelligence that is shown by the ability to respond sensitively toward another person. Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, children begin to understand that others have needs, feelings and desires that are separate from their own. Instinctual responses that are driven by toddlers' own needs, feelings and desires are gradually accompanied by more altruistic responses and sympathy toward others.
Types
Toddlers develop three types of empathetic awareness. Proximal empathy is the caring response that a child shows toward a nearby person. With proximal empathy, the responding child has not caused any of the sufferer's distress. For example, a child may try to comfort a nearby child who has fallen over while running in the playground. Altruistic empathy is a child's display of concern for the suffering of someone who is further away. For example, altruistic empathy is shown by a child in kindergarten who leaves an activity and goes to comfort a crying child at the opposite end of the room. Self-corrective empathy occurs when a child has hurt someone, either deliberately or accidentally, and shows a caring response toward the sufferer's distress.
Importance
Empathetic awareness supports children's social skills, such as the ability to make friends and maintain existing friendships. Emotional intelligence is a strength that enhances your child's ability to compromise, cooperate and negotiate with others. Empathy helps children learn to become more patient, more understanding and less demanding. Absence of empathy may lead to the development of antisocial behavior and even criminal behavior among children and teenagers who have learned to act purely from self-interest and without regard for the well-being of others.
Nurturing Tips
Positive parenting techniques support the development of emotional intelligence. "Empathy develops from the experience of empathy," explains Maia Szalavitz, author of "Born for Love." Responsive and loving parents who show empathy toward their children's feelings help children feel calm and safe. Empathetic awareness develops from a secure foundation because children must first develop awareness of their own feelings before they can understand the feelings of others. It is important to reason with toddlers if they cause distress to others to help them understand the consequences of their actions. You should also encourage toddlers to feel pleasure when they show empathy by praising and rewarding their efforts and behavior.
References
- National Association for the Education of Early Years Children; The Visible Empathy of Infants and Toddlers; Valerie Quann, et al.; 2006
- "Born For Love"; Maia Szalavitz, et al.; 2010
- Psychology Today; Want Empathetic Children? Take Joy in Empathy; Maia Szalavitz; February 2010
- "How to Have a Happy Toddler"; Dr. Carol Valinejad; 2007
- "New York Times"; Empathy's Natural, But Nurturing It Helps; Jane E. Brody; February 2010
