Helping Young Children Develop Empathy

Children are naturally curious about the world and the people around them. As they grow, they begin to notice that not everyone behaves or reacts in the same way. Some children enjoy loud games and busy playgrounds, while others prefer quiet spaces or may feel overwhelmed by noise and activity.

Helping children understand that people experience the world in different ways is one of the most powerful empathy lessons parents can teach.

For young children, this understanding lays the foundation for kindness, inclusion, patience and supportive friendships.

In this guide, we’ll explore why this skill matters, how children perceive differences and practical ways parents can help their children respond with empathy.

Why It’s Important to Teach Children About Different Experiences

Children begin developing empathy at a very young age. By the time they reach school age, they are already learning to recognise emotions, interpret social cues and build friendships.

However, when children encounter behaviour they don’t understand - such as someone covering their ears, avoiding eye contact or needing time alone - they may feel confused or unsure how to react.

Without guidance, children might:

...assume someone is being unfriendly

...avoid interacting with them

...laugh or point out differences

...feel uncomfortable in the situation

With guidance children can instead learn that:

• Everyone’s brain works a little differently

• People experience sounds, lights and social situations in different ways

• Being a good friend sometimes means helping someone feel comfortable

  
  

These lessons are particularly valuable when children interact with classmates who may be autistic or who have sensory sensitivities.

Teaching children about differences helps create more inclusive and compassionate social environments, both in school and in everyday life.

How Young Children Experience the World

Young children tend to see the world through their own experiences. At young ages they are still learning that other people may feel or think differently from them.

For example:

A loud classroom activity might feel exciting and fun to one child, but overwhelming and stressful to another.

A busy birthday party might feel joyful to some children but confusing or uncomfortable for others.

These differences are often linked to how individuals process sensory information. Some people are more sensitive to sound, light, touch or crowded spaces. When children learn that these reactions are normal and valid, they begin to understand that kindness means adjusting how we behave to help others feel safe and included.

Signs that a Child might be experiencing the world differently

Children may encounter classmates who behave differently in social or sensory situations.

Examples might include a child who:

• Covers their ears when environments become loud

• Prefers quieter activities

• Finds busy spaces overwhelming

• Avoids eye contact

• Needs extra time to respond in conversation

• Likes routines or predictable activities

These behaviours may be associated with autism or sensory processing differences but young children do not need detailed explanations.

What they do need to understand is a simple idea:

People experience things in different ways and kindness means helping others feel comfortable.

How Parents Can Help Children Develop Understanding

Children learn empathy primarily from observing and practicing behaviours with trusted adults.

When parents talk openly about differences and model supportive behaviour, children begin to see kindness as a normal and expected response.

Here are several ways you can help build this understanding.

Top 5 Tips for Teaching Children to Support Friends Who Experience the World Differently

1. Explain Differences in Simple Language

Children do not need complex explanations.

Instead, try saying something like:

“Everyone’s brain works a little differently. Some people like loud places and some people feel happier when things are quiet.”

This helps children understand differences without creating fear or confusion.

2. Encourage Curiosity, Not Judgement

If your child asks questions about someone’s behaviour, respond calmly and positively.

For example:

“Some people find loud noises uncomfortable. Moving somewhere quieter can help them feel better.”

Encouraging curiosity helps children develop understanding rather than making assumptions.

3. Teach Children to Notice When Someone Needs Help

Empathy begins with noticing.

You can help children look for clues such as:

1. A friend covering their ears

2. Someone looking upset or overwhelmed

3. A child sitting alone or stepping away from a busy group

   
   

When children notice these signs they can learn to respond with kindness.

4. Practice Helpful Responses

Children often want to help but may not know how to do this.

Simple actions can make a big difference, such as:

...asking “Are you okay?”

...moving to a quieter space

...speaking more softly

...giving someone time and space

Practising these responses helps children feel confident supporting others.

5. Model Empathy in Everyday Life

Children learn empathy by watching how adults behave.

You can model supportive behaviour by:

• Being patient with others

• Showing understanding when someone feels overwhelmed

• Talking openly about emotions and experiences

When children see empathy in action they are more likely to practice it themselves.

Building Empathy Through Stories

Stories are one of the most effective ways to help children understand emotional situations.

When children hear about characters helping others or responding to challenges with kindness, they begin to imagine how they might act in similar situations.

Stories allow children to explore questions such as:

• What does someone feel when a room is too loud?

• How can a friend help?

• Why is kindness important?

Stories also help children see themselves as capable of making a positive difference.

Helping Your Child Practice Empathy in Real Life

The best way to strengthen empathy skills is through small everyday moments.

You might encourage your child to:

• Notice when a friend looks uncomfortable

• Offer help when someone feels overwhelmed

• Include someone who may feel left out

• Speak kindly and patiently with others

These small actions help children understand that empathy is not just about feelings, it’s about kindness in action.

Helping Your Child Become the Hero of the Story

Children learn empathy most effectively when they can imagine themselves helping others.

That’s why personalised storytelling can be such a powerful learning tool.

In our ‘Empathy Adventures personalised animation’, your child becomes the main character in a story where they meet a new friend who feels overwhelmed by a noisy classroom activity.

In the story, your child:

• Notices when the new friend feels uncomfortable

• Helps them move somewhere quieter

• Learns that people experience the world in different ways

• Shows kindness and understanding

Seeing themselves as the hero of the story helps children understand that they have the power to make others feel safe and included.

Free Resource for Parents

If you’d like to explore this topic further with your child, you can download our free Empathy Adventures resource pack:

Understanding Different Ways People Experience the World

The pack includes:

• Parent guidance

• Conversation prompts

• Activities for children aged 4–6

• Practical ways to build empathy at home

  
  

Download the free guide and start helping your child develop kindness, understanding and supportive friendships.

Final Thoughts

Teaching children that people experience the world in different ways is one of the most important empathy lessons they can learn.

When children understand that differences are normal, they become more patient, more inclusive and more compassionate.

These early lessons help children grow into adults who value understanding, respect and kindness.

And sometimes, it all begins with something simple:

Noticing when someone needs help and choosing to be a good friend.