Empathy

Empathy is a skill ― one that we can strengthen with practice. Empathy means that we can imagine what someone else is thinking or feeling and then respond in a caring manner. Two-year-olds are slowly starting to understand that other people have thoughts and feelings that are different than their own. For example, they might discover that they prefer chocolate ice cream but their sister prefers vanilla. Two-year-olds can also begin to notice and name when other people are happy, mad or sad; and you might see your child offer a toy or hug to a crying friend.