Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This ability comes from being empathized with by parents. The warmth, love, and trust in those beginning years helps instill a depth of caring which is the earliest foundation for empathy. Emotional development is an essential component of empathy and it begins with the parent helping the child identify his or her feelings; conveying an appreciation of and tolerance for the expression of a full range of feelings; and labeling the parents’ feelings and their expression. Seeing the interest and concern the parent takes in the feelings of others promotes this capability in the child. Imaginative play and storytelling also allows for the child to consider the thoughts and feelings of others. Empathy is an essential component of caring, sharing, and intimacy, making relationships deeper and more meaningful. It also prevents antisocial actions such as bullying, vandalism, and violence. Empathic understanding, even more than concrete solutions, is the essential ingredient to deescalating conflict and repairing relationships.
As the child grows, and they have to deal with disappointments, this will help them to empathize with others who have to deal with sadness. In adolescence, with the close friendships that develop, there are new levels of empathy required, as friends increasingly turn to each other for support and understanding, not just their parents. Empathy is an essential component of relatedness. What is an intimate friendship or a good marriage without genuine empathy?
