Empathy

What does empathy mean?

• The ability to understand and share the feelings of another

• Sharing toys

• Talking to friends

• Asking someone to play

Why is it important to be kind?

• Kindness doesn't matter.

• I don't know.

• Kindness helps others feel good about themselves.

A friend shares with you that they just failed a math test; you usually do well at math. Are you able to see how difficult this situation might be?

• yes

• no

If someone trips going up the stairs, do you feel embarrassed for them and avoid laughing?

• yes

• no

Your mom says she is overwhelmed with work and all of the things that need to get done around the house. You also have a lot of things going on and not enough time. Do you brush off what she is feeling because you have a full plate as well?

• yes

• no

Your cousin just put their dog down to sleep. You recently lost a pet you had for more than 10 year. It is too hard to talk to them about it because of the pain you felt?

• yes

• no

A friend says, “I rear-ended someone yesterday while driving.” Do you say something like “One time my brother rear-ended someone and totaled his car.”

• yes

• no

A classmate shares with you that their mom just lost their job so they can’t go to the prom, do you say “That must be really hard, I’m so sorry”?

• yes

• no

Examples of Empathetic Statements (multiple answers)

• I really appreciate your patience.

• Thank you very much for alerting us about this.

• I have experienced a similar problem recently so I understand what you are saying.

• Let me see what I can do to help you out.

This statement show empathy.

• What is "I understand your frustration but there is nothing that we can do."?

• What is "Don't you plan ahead before signing to a service?"?

• What is "It must be hard trying to stick to a budget."?

• What is "I understand your frustration, I try to stick to a budget at home as well."?