I have a 3 year old son, that is fairly well-behaved, but he exhibits no empathy at all. For example, this morning I fell down and was hurt and he got upset because I wasn't paying attention to him! Is this normal? He only seems concerned about himself and not anyone else. At what age do most kids exhibit empathy?
2007-03-06 13:19:38 · 7 answers · asked by Vesuvius 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
It probably depends on the child. My 2 1/2 granddaughter has been expressing concern for others quite awhile, but I think a lot of it might have to do with her seeing us express concern for others, including her. For example, if she falls, we say "OH! Are you ok honey?" and she'll do the same thing if her younger cousin falls down. My husband just had surgery on his foot, and she sees me take ice packs to him or prop his leg up, so she'll take him a bottled water or a pillow and say "Here Pop-pop. This will make you feel better." We try to maintain a loving environment for her, so she also gets upset if people raise their voices at one another (which my two daughters do frequently!) I don't think it's anything to be overly concerned about at this point. He's too young to understand.
2007-03-07 06:19:35 · answer #1 · answered by Romans 8:28 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the kid. First of all, is he an only child and does he go to a daycare? I work at my church's daycare, and you can tell the only children and those who are new to daycares because they are more accostumed to being the center of attention. Either way, preschoolers minds are more egocentric to begin with. There is not a true age where kids start to exhibit empathy. You may just have to teach him about empathy by explaining how it hurts when he falls, it hurts when you fall, etc. He will naturally grow out of it, eventually. It just depends on his surroundings, not even as much for how he is raised.
2007-03-06 21:31:54 · answer #2 · answered by jefftechcrew2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine didn't really start until between 3 and 4, somewhere they begin to realize that they aren't the center of the universe. Mine are now 4 & 5 and they understand when people are hurt or upset and say sorry. Keep in mind this doesn't mean they become the nicest people on earth!
2007-03-06 21:23:10 · answer #3 · answered by chelebeee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My son is four and a half. Since shortly before he turned 4, if I say "ouch", he'll say something like, "that's ok mommy, you'll be all right"
Your son may just need more time. Also, talk to him about how others feel. When you get hurt (even minor) make sure he knows it and coach him on nice things to do or say when someone is hurt.
2007-03-06 21:30:47 · answer #4 · answered by Raina 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and it depends on the child. Mine is only 2 1/2 but if you say ouch sometimes she says do you need a band aide or if you want her favorite toy....sometimes she laughs....sometimes she could care less.
2007-03-06 22:35:30 · answer #5 · answered by mariandmommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is normal to get my son to realize that others get hurt to I pretend cry when I get hurt or he hurts my feelings to show him and so he says sorry mom and understands that he is not the only one with feelings. Good luck!
2007-03-06 21:27:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With just the one exsample it sounds normal,,read this article and decide see what you think.
2007-03-06 21:36:46 · answer #7 · answered by Melanie T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋