How to teach kids Empathy: A Montessori Perspective

One of the most important human characteristics is empathy. Empathy is one great gift you can give to your children. If you are considering getting your child admitted into a Montessori preschool, you should look for the one working on building empathy in the children.
There are many ways to build empathy, and one must need to know these methods if they want children to learn empathy as well. A Montessori daycare needs to work on the following things if they want to develop empathetic nature in the children.
1.Lead with Example

Children learn the best through modeling. If you want to teach your children empathy, you need to make them see that you are empathetic yourself. Try to set a good example for the children of Montessori. Treat them with kindness if they make any mistakes. Be thoughtful about their problems.
2.Prioritize Empathy

Keep empathy at the top of your priority list. According to some studies, a strong focus on a child's happiness does not always guarantee a happy child. The real secret to happiness is to make your children care about the people around them. Teach your children to be kind to all the living things around them. Prioritize empathy over any other form of happiness.
3.Apologize if Necessary

In a Montessori daycare, teaching children the real meaning of compassion and understanding is of paramount importance. You can become the role model which you want your children to follow. Nobody's perfect, and there are times when many of us lack empathy; you can just accept your fault and be the first one to apologize. Talk to your children about other less-accepted human emotions like jealousy, anger, and frustration. In the end, we are all human and need safe spaces.
4.Respect

Being respectful is probably the best gift you could give to anyone. Never miss a chance to show the kids that you can respect even the people who do not play a significant role in your life, like a barista or a store clerk.
5.Be Kind

One of the best things taught in Montessori is to "be kind to everyone". Kindness wouldn't cost you anything, but it will definitely give you a better outlook. Moreover, children model what they see, and kindness is the best thing they can imitate from their elders. Teach them to be kind to everyone around them, from relatives and pets to stray animals and even the waiters.
These are some of the ways to develop an empathetic child in Montessori childcare.