Teaching Empathy to Your Children and Grand Children

I was reading the news the other day about the childhood life of Trump, showing no empathy to others and his narcissistic disorder personality diagnosis.  It inspired me to read more on this topic and here's what I learned. One of the factors in this article that struck a cord in my heart is the significant role of family dynamics and parenting styles in the development of empathy in children.  I have personal knowledge of friends and relatives who were very emphatic due to the way they were raised as children in the Philippines.  Here's a summary of the article, 

"Lack of empathy in children can stem from a variety of factors, including social and environmental influences, psychological factors, and even excessive screen time, with family dynamics and parenting styles playing a significant role.  Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Social and Environmental Factors:

• Family Dynamics and Parenting Styles:

  A child's environment, particularly their family, can significantly impact their development of empathy.

  • Lack of Empathy Modeling: If parents or caregivers consistently fail to demonstrate empathy or acknowledge the feelings of others, children may learn to do the same.
  • Authoritarian Parenting: Rigid and controlling parenting styles can stifle a child's emotional expression and ability to understand and connect with others.
• Limited Social Interactions:

  Children who lack opportunities for social interaction may struggle to develop the skills needed to understand and respond to the emotions of others.
• Excessive Screen Time:

  Spending excessive amounts of time watching television or playing video games can limit opportunities for real-life social interactions and emotional development. 

Psychological Factors:

• Mental Health Conditions:

  Certain mental health conditions, such as narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or antisocial personality disorder, can be associated with a lack of empathy. 
• Trauma:

  Past trauma can also negatively impact a child's ability to empathize, as they may struggle to regulate their emotions and connect with others. 
• Executive Functioning Impairments:

  Conditions like ADHD can involve difficulties with executive functions, such as impulse control and emotional regulation, which can affect the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to others' emotions.

  
  

  In another article I read the other day ( March 12-18, 2025 issue of The Epoch Times), it shows data 

  that parents pass down traits that help protect future generations from loneliness.

  
  

   Here's a summary of the article:

  
  

  "Precious family heirlooms and physical traits are not the only things passed down from generation 

  to generation.  A 25-year study published in 2024 followed families across three generations and

   found that empathy is a trait that endures over time and across relationships. The "empathy blueprints"

  we received from our parents are paid forward,  shaping how we connect with our friends and later, 

  how we nurture our children.

  
  

  This quarter-century study published in Child Development, demonstrated that mother's empathy

   toward their 13-year olds predicted the teen's empathy toward their closed friends in adolescence

  - ages 13 to 19.  These teens went on to  become empathic parents, which predicted their own 

  children  empathy.

  
  

  While previous research has linked parents' and children's empathy at specific moments in time,

   this study was the first to show that emphatic parenting creates a ripple effect,  influencing  at least

   three generations down to grand children."  For details read:

  
  

  https://www.naturalchild.org/articles/guest/tamara_parnay.html

  
  

  Meanwhile, my quotes of the Day!

  
  

  HOW TO RESPECT YOURSELF

  1. Stop chasing those who aren’t interested in you.

  2. Avoid begging for attention or validation.

  3. Speak less and let your words carry weight.

  4. Address disrespect promptly and assertively.

  5. Avoid overindulging in others’ generosity if it’s not reciprocated.

  6. Limit visits to those who don’t value your presence.

  7. Prioritize self-investment and your happiness.

  8. Avoid engaging in gossip or unnecessary negativity.

  9. Think carefully before you speak—your words define your value.

  10. Always present yourself well; dress to reflect your worth.

  11. Focus on your goals and stay productive.

  12. Value and protect your time.

  13. Leave any relationship where you’re not respected or valued.

  14. Spend on yourself—it teaches others to respect your worth.

  15. Be unavailable sometimes; it creates value.

  16. Give more than you take.

  17. Don’t go where you’re not invited, and when you are, don’t overstay your welcome.

  18. Treat people as they deserve to be treated.

  19. Except for owed money, two missed calls are enough; let them return the effort if they care.

  20. Strive for excellence in all you do.

  
  

  Lastly, my flower of the Day! ( See the Bee)

  

  THD News: Cydney Carbah ( Activities) last day here at THD will be this next Wednesday. She has found a job with better opportunities for her future ( benefits) etc...We will miss you Cydney. Another lesson I again learned. Do not get bonded or become friends with THD employees since they will disappear either voluntarily or involuntary in a very, very short time.  Rapid Employee turnover here in THD is the facts of Life. I am getting used to it.  Good Luck, Cydney in your new job. I will miss you personally.