There are a few important things that are crucial to teach our kids to become decent, respectful individuals.

But if I had to choose just one, at the top of the list would be this…

Empathy.

Today, I'm going to explain why I believe empathy is one of the most important qualities for kids to learn as they grow and how it impacts their lives as individuals and members of communities.

It's not to say that other qualities like responsibility, diligence, resilience, and humility are less important.

While those qualities are also undoubtedly crucial for a well-rounded upbringing, it's essential not to overlook the significance of teaching empathy. Many individuals seem to suffer from a lack of experience in cultivating this vital quality.

What Empathy Can Do

Personal maturation:

Humans are born selfish. Infants cry for milk when they are hungry, but we don't necessarily consider it unacceptable behavior. We understand that it's just the way they are.

However, if all grown people behaved like infant babies, devouring all the food on the table without considering others who may be starving, we wouldn't respond by thinking that we understand such behavior. They would likely find it unacceptable.

One thing that serves as a remedy for human selfishness is empathy. When a person starts to feel what others feel and sees what they are going through, it's like gaining a new perspective.

You begin to see things clearly and understand the hidden dynamics of relationships, leading to personal maturation.

Improved Relationship Skills:

One of the most significant benefits of having empathy is its ability to help build and maintain strong relationships with people.

Empathy plays a significant role in effective communication and understanding other family members, especially as parents and as a husband and wife.

For me, it has helped tremendously, not only in terms of developing relationship skills but also in aspiring to become a better dad to my kids and a better husband to my wife.

At night, during my moments of solitude, I usually reflect on what I did wrong or could do better the next day. When I do that, it helps me put myself in my kids' shoes and understand how they might have felt in particular situations. This exercise provides me with a clearer perspective to see what I might have missed and motivates me to improve as a dad.

A More Successful Life:

I mentioned that empathy plays a crucial role in communication.

Especially in a collaborative working environment, like operating a business, achieving success, and excelling in various company positions, being an empathetic person is key to enhancing communication.

Building and maintaining a successful business requires an understanding of the customer's perspective and effective leadership through communication.

Without empathy, individuals may struggle to comprehend and take into account the feelings and perspectives of others. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and difficulties in navigating social situations effectively.

Conclusion:

In today's school system, it's rare to find a specific class or course that teaches empathy to the next generation. However, it's a crucial element that should not be underestimated.

We are all aware that emotional intelligence is as significant, if not more so, than a person's IQ. Empathy is a key component of emotional intelligence.

Without it, individuals may have difficulty recognizing and managing their own emotions and those of others, leading to emotional instability, poor decision-making, underdevelopment of personal maturity, and a lack of relationship skills.

Empathy is certainly something that can be learned, especially when taught at a young age.

Thank you for reading. I will see you in my next article.