How to Teach Empathy to Your Middle Schooler

Middle school. It can feel like a place completely lacking in empathy. In these sometimes awkward years, your child is yearning for connection but still figuring out how to best express himself and relate to his peers. This social trial-and-error can easily lead to frustration, isolation, and even bullying or other acting-out behaviors. Developing interpersonal skills is a part of growing up, and something that most kids will struggle with at this age, but that doesn’t make it any less difficult for you or your child. That’s why it’s so important for your child to learn how to develop the skills we now call “emotional intelligence,” especially empathy.

How can you help your child develop this critical skill? What should your child’s middle school be doing to support this growth? Sign up for Willow’s Get Ready for Middle School series for the answers to these questions, practical tips you can use to teach empathy at home today, and more insights into the middle school years. Click here to sign up!