Quote found HERE click to learn the definition of empathy more in depth
Empathy is a feeling a bit more difficult to project than your simple happy or sad. What do I mean? People have a harder time showing people empathy than they would showing people they are say, excited. This is somewhat of an issue. Why?
- Children in school can feel left out or misunderstood if their peers and teachers do not show empathy.
- People assume that everyone's situation is the same as their own, when in reality people can have much more difficult lives than they show.
- Teachers are not generally very empathetic towards their students, as long as the child gets good grades, they are basically ignored by your average teacher.
- Since teachers do not typically act with much empathy, it is very hard for children to have a trusted adult outside home that they can talk to
Children are taught to be understanding and caring and worry about the thoughts and feelings of their peers. But as children get older and begin to have busier and more complicated lives, they forget to stop and think what their friends might be thinking.
Short video on why not to use labels, why it's insulting, and how empathy is involved
Teachers don't generally socialize with students at all, unless the child has a bad grade. By not having communication, we eliminate the feelings of trust, sympathy, and empathy, making teachers out to be people you should not talk to about personal matters.
What children are taught about empathy in school, but is it really practiced as it should be?
I feel that empathy isn't something that so much needs to be taught in schools, but simply something that needs to be practiced more. By developing trust and understanding, a few of the feelings produced by empathy, children will feel better about expressing feelings and seeking help when they need it. I feel this would make schools a safer, more comfortable environment for all people, children and teachers alike.
