Understanding Empathy

Just as we can learn to understand how we are feeling, we can also look for clues about how our families, friends, and other people around us. Understanding the way other people feel can help us all get along and be happy at home, in school and in our communities. It is important to understand clues that other people may have that let them know how they are feeling. When a person is happy, they may have wide smiles or talk with excitement. This is a good clue that they are ready to talk, play, or have fun together. When a person is sad, you might notice that they hang their heads low or have teary eyes. If you notice someone feeling sad, it is nice to approach them and see if they need help or would like to talk. When a person is angry, you might see them clench their fists or turn red-faced. It is okay to ask an angry person what they are feeling. It may also be a good idea to give them some space until they are ready to talk.

Everyone has feelings and they have the right to express them in safe, courteous ways. When we take our time to understand how others feel, it lets them know that we notice them and care about what they are going through. Understanding other people's feelings is a wonderful way to be good family member, friend, and citizen!