does your 2.5 yo show empathy?

seethesmiles

I'm concerned that my 2.5 yo DS seems to lack empathy. He will purposely hurt others (especially DD) and laugh when they cry. I was recently with a friend who started to cry while telling me a story and her DS (3 yo) came over, started patting her back, brought her his lovie, and showed a lot of concern for his mom. Meanwhile, when I cry in front of DS, he completely ignores me or laughs. DH seems to think I'm expecting too much of DS but I'm not sure. Would you be concerned?

macchiatto

My boys both do and have for a while but I'm not sure I would be concerned quite yet.

macchiatto

This might be helpful:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/how-children-develop-empathy/

Aligracegirl

I don't cry in front of my kid.

I think that's odd.

But when she accidentally steps on my toes, or when she's playing with my hair and she tugs it too hard, she will say "Sorry Mommy", and give me a kiss.

She also gets upset when she sees other kids cry.

 

ryansmamaxo

My son does for sure & has for a while but I know plenty of little ones who seem like they don't. I think it depends on their personality. When I'm upset , DS rubs my arm and cuddles me. He doesn't like it at all and tries to comfort me & make me happy. You could ask the pediatrician about it, but I wouldnt worry so much yet. Maybe he just doesn't know how to respond yet. I can remember when DS was 1 , he would see me crying and laugh or just go about with what he was doing. He could just not understand that you're upset yet for some reason.

NJLH

No....there are times my DD has hit me or was just rude. I pretend to sniffle or pout saying u hurt mommy's feelings. No sympathy.....she finds it funny (maybe I'm not a great actress)

seethesmiles

macchiatto:

This might be helpful:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/2007/how-children-develop-empathy/

Thanks. That was helpful and made me feel better. DS doesn't go back to the pedi until his 3yo well visit but I will definitely bring it up then if things haven't changed.

Stellar1

When someone is upset in front of DD, she definitely knows that something is wrong. When I sad/upset, she says, "mommy sad." I don't know if you should be concerned but if you are you can always mention it to his pedi.

penguinem

My DD has shown concern for a while now, since before age 2, but empathy is a strong word, IMO; that's an advanced feeling that some adults haven't mastered,lol. DD will ask, "can I help you feel better?" if someone is upset. If she believes she upset someone she gets very upset and sometimes tantrums. I would just use those moments that your DC is laughing to teach, like "she is crying because she fell. Remember when you fell?", etc. I don't think you should be overly concerned; again, adults sometimes laugh when people are upset because they feel awkward; might as well use those moments to teach appropriate responses!

sherpa

My son has for a long time, since about 20 months old. He will laugh when someone gets hurt on a show or movie but he is always asking people if they're okay or if he can help them with something. However, I don't think you have to be concerned right now but it's something I would look into and begin teaching him.