Empathy

As a teacher of kindergartners, you always searched for the few children who were truly empathetic. You know that child who understands that their actions effect others. The one who sees the other children as feeling humans. I realized that children at that age could often empathize with children who are hurt, but don't always "get" how to help others. But, they don't always see the other emotions to a huge degree.

As a mother you wonder... how can I help my children see the emotions of others? What can I do to help my sons be that one (ok or two) empathic child in the class?

Well... if Blake continues down the road he is on, I won't have to worry! Richard and I have noticed since Colby arrived that Blake was very alert to Colby's ups and downs. The last few days I have truly seen this to be true. Richard and I had decided to try to let Colby "cry it out" in hopes of getting him onto a schedule and/or learn to fall asleep on his own. Blake has not dealt well with this at all. Whenever Colby cries Blake will go over to him and try to comfort and console him.

To give an example of this... the other day we were playing outside right before lunch. I went into the kitchen to get a cloth and Colby started crying (who knows why). I look out and Blake has left the toys he is playing with and is running over to Colby. He sits down next to Colby and begins patting him on the back and saying (in Blake's own way) "It ok baby".

The next step for Blake often is to run and get me and say "Baby cry" or "Help Colby" or something like that. When Colby is feeling better Blake will clap and try to make Colby laugh.

My heart sings when I see this... I've always known that Blake was a very alert child as well as a very emotional child.. this just shows that it's transfering to the next step