PARENTS
CORNER
NURTURING 21NURTURING 21st st CENTURY CHILDRENCENTURY CHILDRENPW invited parents of Garodia International Centre for Learning Mumbai (GICLM) to
share their insights on how to teach their children empathetic behaviour“
We believe youngest children are capable of
exhibiting empathy which can be fostered,
encouraged and cultivated by adults. As parents we
have made an effort to
be good role models for
our 11-year-old daughter
Souumya (class VI) by
acknowledging and
valuing her feelings, and
expressing sympathy
when she is sad, upset,
distressed or frustrated
after a long day at school. Lately we have begun sharing
our own workplace challenges. Unsurprisingly Souumya
offers her emotional support, which is a mature gesture.
I have also noticed how Souumya empathises with less
fortunate children whom she spots on her way to school,”
— Kashmira Kothari, director, Excella Electronics
“
I believe charity begins at home. Spending time with
children to sensitise them towards the way other
people feel, think and behave through ‘reality checks’
is of utmost
importance
and critical for
their all-round
development.
Role modelling
our behaviour
and emotional
understanding
of friends, family
and domestic
house helpers has been the most basic lesson which has
worked wonders with our 15-year-old son Hardik (class
IX). Community service initiatives of his school have also
shaped him to demonstrate empathetic behaviour.” —
Swapneel Nagarkar, sr. vice president and business
head, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd
“
We strive hard to practice empathy at home to help
our children turn these lessons into lifelong habits. We
understand and value empathy as the most beautiful
gift that sets us apart from
other species. Therefore
we take keen interest in
things that matter to our
five-year-old daughter
Ryna and nine-year-old
son Ryan (studying in
another school) with
grace and courtesy and
respond to their emotions
in a positive, loving
and caring manner. We
believe children feel
secure and happy when their emotional needs are fulfilled,
and they learn how to meet the emotional needs of others
in society.” — Neepa Gaurav Raveshia, homemaker“
I believe
humans are
naturally
wired to be
empathetic. To
arouse their
empathy some
observation and
emulation is
necessary. My
13-year-old son
Dev Ashutosh (class VIII) has learnt to show empathy
by observing our actions and reactions with friends,
family, acquaintances, clients and others in our daily
lives. Narrating real-life stories of exemplary people to
him, volunteering with the family in social work activities
and teaching him to reflect on his own feelings have also
helped.” — Dr Amita Shah, consultant psychiatrist, Dr
H D Gandhi Memorial Hospital for Mental Health CareTeaching children
empathy