We don’t live in a world where IQ alone wins. Emotional intelligence (EQ) — especially empathy — is fast becoming the most crucial skill for success. But while schools focus on marks, empathy rarely gets the spotlight.
In a 2021 Azim Premji Foundation report, Indian children displayed lower levels of peer empathy and cooperation during post-COVID re-entry. The gap is real — but fixable. And it starts at home.
Let Them See You Care
Children mirror empathy. They learn more from how you treat the maid, the watchman, or the delivery boy than from lectures.
Name Emotions — Theirs and Yours
Instead of saying “stop crying,” try “I see you’re upset. Want to talk about it?” Use the language of emotions often. It builds a child’s capacity to recognize and respond to others’ feelings.
Read Books That Stretch Perspective
Stories build empathy. Read books like Gajapati Kulapati, The Blue Umbrella, or Grandma’s Bag of Stories. Discuss what characters feel and why.
Volunteer as a Family
Involve them in causes — animal shelters, community drives, or simply feeding stray dogs. Real empathy grows from lived experience, not moral lessons.
Praise Kindness, Not Just Achievement
Celebrate small gestures — “I saw how you helped your friend, that was kind.” Let them know compassion counts.
Empathy won’t appear overnight, but nurtured with intention, it becomes part of who they are.
References:
- Azim Premji Foundation (2021). Children and Empathy: Post-COVID Challenges. https://azimpremjifoundation.org
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
- The Better India (2022). Simple Ways to Raise Kind Kids. https://www.thebetterindia.com