Empathy is understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Children learn to show empathy the same way they learn so many other things—by practicing.

Try going to the park or some other place where children play. Talk with your child about how other children in the park might be feeling. If any of them seem sad, talk with your child about how to make them feel better. Ask your child what makes her feel better when she is sad.

For example, if a child falls, your child could offer a bandage (slip some bandaids in your purse, just in case). If a child is sad that he has no playmate, your child could offer to play. If a child is upset that he sees others having snacks and he has none, your child could offer to share.