The most cherished dream of all parents is a happy future for their child. We want our children to be not only successful, but also kind, sincere, empathetic, attentive to the needs and feelings of others, and sympathetic.
Numerous studies show that empathy, which is at the heart of humane education, has a positive effect on our children’s future physical and psychological health, present happiness, relationship satisfaction, the ability to recover from any adversity, and even contributes to successful education and future careers.
Empathy helps develop critical thinking skills, prepares children for life in the adult world, and helps them achieve their goals!
At the heart of humane education is the theme of harmonious coexistence between man and animal. What do child psychologists recommend?
First of all, it is necessary to explain to the child that an animal is a living being:
- who has consciousness and needs;
- which requires respect for its boundaries;
- which is given to you;
- which has its own character and its own taste;
- which can hurt;
- who needs physical activity;
- whose life is woven into your life;
- which you will have to let go when it’s time comes.
It’s important to remember, children are not born with the ability to understand emotions. It is important to educate a child in understanding that other living beings also have feelings, desires, fears and experiences. And that they should be respected and appreciated as well.
To do this, you just need to ask your child more often:
“How do you think the dog feels? What would she like now? Does she want to play with you now?”
The more a child knows about animals and their characteristics, the more careful his attitude will be. This is the power of empathy – in the awareness of oneself not only as a separate “I”, but also as part of “we”.
