That title to this SHARE is a little tongue in cheek, of course, but doesn't it seem like everybody blames the mom, when a kid acts out, or grows up to be an adult involved in crime or an adult that is difficult to deal with? Everybody seems to turn to the grown child's mother and point their fingers firmly in her direction.
Now a new study may show that there is some validity in this.
This study in England followed 57 families and asked the mothers to discuss certain aspects of human behavior with their children, like why people are the way they are or why people feel like they do. The mothers showed pictures of happy or sad people to their children and explained why the people in the pictures were feeling that way.
The study showed that the more mothers talked to their children about other people's feelings, the more empathy the children developed later in life.
The study focused on woman because when it started 14 years ago, men spent less time with their children. Researchers concede that these days, men are spending more time with their kids and would be better able to participate in a study beginning today.
In essence, it's not so much the mother talking to their children about the feelings of others, but the parents, in general. It is thought that by the time a child is 3 or 4 year old, it's already possible to predict their levels of empathy in later years.
Most importantly, it's best to begin talking with children very early about how others feel and the variety of feelings all humans have, in order to instill feelings of empathy later in life. And this is something both mothers and fathers can do.
Tell Us
Do you think it's important to talk to children about the feelings of others to instill empathy later? Is empathy taught to children or is it something they either have or have not?
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment1 Comments
I think empathy is essential. I also most certainly believe it is taught. I have dated men in the past that couldn't understand empathy. The relationship never lasted. Now, I have a very empathic man that is almost unrealistic to me.
Do you have friends that you can talk to about everything, they offer support and empathize with you about your issues? On the other hand, do you have those friends that you try to talk to, but they tend to offer their own problems, don't understand what your going through and the conversation ends with more questionable drama? The second friend will be the friend you don't contact unless there is no one else that will listen, right?
Validity in communication is very important or else we would talk to brick walls and receive no feedback or understanding. I think in many relationships empathy is mistaken for 'giving in'. It is clearly not. Empathy is just acknowledging the other persons feelings. Understanding they are upset although we may not agree.
May 17, 2009 - 9:03amThis Comment