Encouraging Empathy

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 Objective and Purpose: To introduce the basic concept of empathy and learn how to show empathy to self and others. 

Empathy is valuing other people’s feelings and opinions. Empathy is the ability to express compassion to self and others that are different from you. Showing empathy is a great way to help lower overwhelmed feelings caused by stress. So how can you practice showing empathy today? What can you do for someone at home to brighten their day? Is there a task that a caregiver wants you to complete that you’ve been hesitant to do? Have you been rude or hateful to anyone lately? Have you resolved conflict in a healthy way? Try writing a letter or sending an email to someone that could use a pick me up. Take time today to rekindle a friendship or reach out to a grandparent. While focusing your energy on being empathetic, here is a list of reflection questions to answer and consider. Take 30 minutes to bring someone joy. It will do your heart a lot of good. 

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Emotional Regulation Jars

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Grab two jars and scrap paper. Write positive activities on scrap paper for the “Filling Up” jar.

Label each jar Letting Go and Filling Up.

As a negative emotion arises…

  • Write it on a piece of scrap paper and place it in the “LettingGo” jar.
  • The act of writing the emotion and physically letting it go can help aid in de-escalating and taking the power out of that emotion.

Next pull something positive from the “Filling Up” jar. Perform whatever task is on the paper.

Spend time working with your child on the activity they pick out of the jar. Spend time talking them through their emotional reactions.

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Empathetic Family – Brown Bag Exercise

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Empathy is valuing other people’s feelings and opinions. During times of stress, we want to stay connected to our family and not treat them in a harsh way. A great way to show your family some love is by “Brown Bagging It.”

The following exercise comes from the Reconnecting Youth (RY) program. It is an evidence-based program offered by Youth First.

  • For this daily practice, all you need is a small brown paper bag, paper, crayons or markers, and a writing utensil.
  • Write down positive statements about each family member daily.
  • Be sure to include weekly achievements!
  • Collect all statements in the brown paper bag.
  • Be as creative as you like with your bag and notes of affirmation.
  • Feel free to read the notes at the end of the day or at least at the end of the week for a quick smile and stress reducer.
  • Hint: A great time to share notes of affirmation is during family meal time.
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Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

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Expressing gratitude is proven to help individuals experience more positive emotions, improve their mental health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Take time to complete this scavenger hunt; think about each object you find and the positive role it plays in your daily life.

  • Find something outside you enjoy looking at
  • Find something that is useful to you
  • Find something that is your favorite color
  • Find something you know someone else will really enjoy (And show them!)
  • Find something that makes YOU happy
  • Find something that tastes yummy
  • Find something that smells amazing
  • Discover something new
  • Find something or someplace that makes you feel safe
  • Find something that makes a beautiful sound
  • Find someone you are grateful for
  • Find something that is unique to you
  • Find something that makes you laugh
  • Find something in the night that you enjoy
  • Find something in the morning that brings you happiness
  • Find a friend, family member or pet that you enjoy being with
  • Find your favorite place to spend alone time
  • Find something that reminds you of the people you love
  • Find something you enjoy doing outside with friends
  • Find a place that you love

Source: Natural Beach Living

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