Here's What To Do
1
Play a game of pretend to practice showing empathy and kindness. First, ask your child to pretend they have a hurt foot, and show ways you can help them.
2
Next, switch roles. Pretend that you're upset because you lost your keys, and prompt your child to help.
3
Take turns using other pretend events:
- someone is sick
- a friend moved away
- a toy is broken
- someone is scared to go down the slide
- (whatever you come up with!)
4
After playing this game, recognize and praise your child when they show kindness to others in real life.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Sit and take a deep breath together before you begin.
E
Engage:
- "Let's pretend you hurt your foot. Oh, you look sad. What happened? (pause for answer) I want to help you feel better. Let me get you some ice."
- "I'm pretending that I've ruined my favorite shirt. Do you notice how my face looks? What do you think I'm feeling? How can you help me?"
E
Encourage:
- "If you were feeling sick, how would you want someone to take care of you?"
- "That was so kind of you to help me look for my keys. It also made me feel good when you gave me a hug to help me feel better."
R
Reflect:
- "Do you ever help your friends at school feel better? What are some ways to be kind to them?"
Not quite ready?
Pretend that a stuffed animal is the one with the problem, and work together to help the animal feel better.
Ready for more?
Introduce more complicated situations, like a classmate not wanting to play with them at school.
As your child masters this skill...
They will respond to others' needs with kindness and empathy.