According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, empathy is “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.” Try reading this to a young child though, and your words will likely go in one ear and out the other!

So, how do we effectively explain empathy to our children? In our experience, one of the best ways to teach children is through storytelling. Kids tend to learn from scenarios and people/characters they can relate to. This is why SEL-themed storytelling apps, like Moshi, are so effective in helping children understand their feelings and the feelings of others.

Quotes for kids from Moshi Stories about empathy and friendship:

“Empathy is when you walk in someone else’s shoes
Imagining how they’re feeling, and valuing their views.”

Goldie and the Tree of Mindfulness

“Helping friends and being generous shouldn’t be a chore
Being there when others need you, that’s what friends are for.”

Making Friends with Flumpy

“One thing that can really help improve your general health
Is treating others as you’d like to be treated yourself.”

Fifi’s Uptown Dressing Down

Did you know Moshi is free for educators and supports a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum? Moshi works with teachers to create accessible content by grade level using the tracks in our app to help teach them social and emotional skills, like empathy. Find out more about gaining access for your classroom and school by heading over to Moshi for Educators.

Alyssa Morgan