Empathy as a Tool for Effective Communication
Empathy involves tuning into the child's feelings and reflecting them back in a way that shows understanding. For example, if a child says, 'The bus driver yelled at me and everybody laughed,' an empathetic response would be, 'That must have been embarrassing.' This method not only comforts the child but also helps them process their emotions. The book suggests that empathy can transform a child's distress into an opportunity for connection and growth. 'It is when our words are infused with our real feelings of empathy that they speak directly to a child’s heart.'