Some kids just seem to get emotions. They notice when someone is upset, offer a comforting word, and genuinely care about how others feel. But this kind of empathy doesn’t just appear out of nowhere—it’s learned.
As parents, we play a huge role in shaping how our kids understand and respond to emotions. And the best way to teach empathy? By modeling it ourselves in small, everyday moments.
Psychology have found that highly empathetic children often have parents who consistently practice certain habits—simple but powerful behaviors that show kids what kindness, compassion, and emotional awareness look like in action.
Here are seven small habits that parents of deeply empathetic children tend to model.
1) They acknowledge emotions
Kids learn how to handle emotions by watching how the adults around them respond to feelings—both their own and others’.
When a child is upset, frustrated, or even excited, highly empathetic parents don’t dismiss those emotions or brush them aside. Instead, they acknowledge them: “I can see you’re feeling really frustrated right now” or “That must have been so exciting for you!”
This simple habit teaches kids that emotions are valid and worth recognizing. Over time, it helps them become more aware of their own feelings and more attuned to the emotions of others.
By modeling emotional awareness in everyday conversations, parents help their children develop the foundation of empathy—understanding and respecting emotions, no matter how big or small.
2) They apologize when they make mistakes
One of the most powerful ways parents teach empathy is by showing that everyone makes mistakes—and that taking responsibility for them matters.
I’ll never forget the first time I truly saw this lesson sink in with my child. One afternoon, I snapped at him for making a mess, even though it wasn’t really a big deal. I could see the hurt on his face immediately.
Instead of brushing it off, I took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I was frustrated, but that wasn’t your fault.”
His whole posture shifted. He nodded, and a few hours later, I heard him say to his little sister, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to grab that from you.” It was a small moment, but it showed me how much kids absorb from what we do—not just what we say.
By owning their mistakes and apologizing sincerely, parents show children that everyone has feelings and that making things right is just as important as getting things right in the first place.
3) They talk about other people’s perspectives
Children aren’t born naturally understanding how others feel—they have to learn it. And one of the best ways parents encourage this is by regularly talking about different perspectives.
For example, when reading a book or watching a movie, empathetic parents might ask, “How do you think that character feels right now?” or “Why do you think they acted that way?” This simple habit helps kids step into someone else’s shoes and consider emotions beyond their own.
Research shows that children who frequently engage in these kinds of conversations develop stronger empathy skills and a greater ability to understand others’ emotions. Over time, this makes them better at navigating friendships, resolving conflicts, and showing kindness in everyday situations.
4) They model kindness in everyday moments
Empathy isn’t just about understanding emotions—it’s also about taking action. Parents who raise highly empathetic children don’t just talk about kindness; they show it in small, everyday ways.
This could be as simple as holding the door open for a stranger, thanking the cashier at the grocery store, or offering help when someone is struggling. Children watch these moments closely, and over time, they start to mimic them.
When kids see kindness being practiced consistently, it becomes second nature to them. They learn that small gestures matter and that showing care for others isn’t something you do only when it’s convenient—it’s a way of moving through the world.
5) They validate feelings instead of dismissing them
It’s easy to say things like “You’re fine” or “It’s not a big deal” when a child is upset, especially when their emotions seem exaggerated. But highly empathetic parents take a different approach—they acknowledge feelings instead of minimizing them.
Hearing “I can see that really upset you” or “That must have been really hard” may seem like a small shift, but it has a huge impact. It teaches kids that their emotions are real and worthy of attention, which helps them develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
More importantly, it shows them how to respond to others with the same level of understanding. When they see a friend struggling, they won’t be the ones saying, “Just get over it.”
They’ll be the ones who listen, who offer support, and who truly understand what it means to be there for someone else.
6) They encourage their kids to help others
Empathy grows stronger when it’s put into action. Parents who raise highly empathetic children create opportunities for them to help others—not because they have to, but because they want to.
This could be as simple as asking a child to help set the table, letting them assist a younger sibling with a task, or encouraging them to check on a friend who seems sad. These small acts teach kids that their actions can make a difference in someone else’s day.
When children experience the joy of helping, they begin to see kindness not as an obligation, but as something that feels good. Over time, this builds a habit of compassion—one that stays with them well into adulthood.
7) They show their children empathy, too
The way children learn to treat others starts with how they are treated themselves. Parents who raise highly empathetic children don’t just teach kindness and understanding—they extend it to their own kids.
They listen without interrupting. They respect their child’s feelings, even when they don’t understand them. They offer comfort instead of criticism when mistakes are made.
When children consistently experience empathy firsthand, they don’t just learn what it looks like—they learn that they are worthy of it. And when they believe that, it becomes natural for them to give that same empathy to the people around them.
Bottom line: empathy starts at home
Children don’t learn empathy from lectures or rules—they learn it by experiencing it.
Research shows that a child’s ability to understand and care for others is deeply influenced by their early environment.
When parents consistently model compassion, emotional awareness, and kindness in everyday life, children absorb those lessons in ways that stick with them for years to come.
This isn’t about grand gestures or complex strategies. It’s in the way parents listen, the way they handle mistakes, and the way they treat others in simple, daily interactions.
The empathy children receive from their parents becomes the empathy they give to the world.
