Student Wellbeing

 With Fair for Fairness Day coming up on September 12th we are inviting our students to put themselves into other peoples shoes. Not all are as fortunate as they are and many children miss out on basic needs.

Benefits of Empathy for Children's Wellbeing

• Stronger Relationships:

  Empathy helps children build secure and meaningful connections with others, fostering a sense of security and a supportive community. 

   

• Improved Emotional Intelligence:

  By recognizing and understanding their own feelings, children can better interpret and respond to the emotions of others, a crucial skill for navigating life's complexities. 

   

• Enhanced Mental Health:

  Empathy promotes good mental health by encouraging emotional expression and providing healthy coping mechanisms. 

   

• Increased Tolerance and Acceptance:

  Children who are empathetic are more likely to be tolerant and accepting of diverse people and perspectives, reducing social friction. 

   

• Better Social Skills:

  Empathy equips children with skills for conflict resolution, communication, and cooperation, contributing to their overall social success. 

   

• Greater Resilience:

  The ability to understand and connect with others helps children build resilience, allowing them to navigate social challenges more effectively. 

   

How to Foster Empathy in Children

• Model Empathy:

  Show empathy yourself by actively listening to your child, acknowledging their feelings, and responding with understanding, as children learn by observing adult behaviour. 

   

• Validate Feelings:

  Create a safe space for your child to express all their emotions, teaching them that their feelings are real and valid, even when you don't agree with their choices. 

   

• Encourage Perspective-Taking:

  Help children see situations from another person's viewpoint by asking questions like, "How do you think they feel?". 

   

• Teach Emotional Regulation:

  Equip your child with strategies to manage their emotions, such as deep breathing or taking breaks, to prevent them from being overwhelmed. 

   

• Use Books and Stories:

  Read books that highlight empathy and kindness to help children better understand these concepts. 

   

• Engage in Real-World Practice:

  Encourage acts of kindness and provide opportunities for children to interact with diverse groups, fostering an inclusive mindset. 

Jenny Willmott

Deputy Principal and Student Wellbeing