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Empathetic baby

EcoBabyEcoBaby
in Attachment Parenting
How do you encourage empathy in your baby? Right now, when my newborn niece cries, DS cries - and its clear that her cries upset him. Usually, I hug him and say, "Its okay, she's okay" and he'll stop when she stops, but he is really bothered when she cries. Should I keep doing what I'm doing? Any other ideas? How do you handle the empathy cries?
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Re: Empathetic baby

  • EcoBabyEcoBaby
    As I re-read that, I don't know if I was clear - but really, I don't want him to be upset when his cousin cries, which is why I comfort him, but I also think its good, in a way, that he is empathetic towards her cries, so I don't want to encourage him to ignore her. Know what I mean?
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  • mrs.baummrs.baum
    Personally, I think that is a good sign. It may be hard to deal w/ and heartbreaking to watch, but it's normal. I'd rather DS be upset about another person being upset than not caring.
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  • Sally JSally J member
    My two have always done this with each other and with other children.  I think it is a healthy sign that they are empathetic toward others.  We responded the same way you do and now that they are older we explain why someone might be upset.  It is helping with teaching them about being nice to the dog and to each other.  My DD is particularly senstitive and when she sees her brother get upset from falling, she goes over and gives him 'loves' or pats/rubs him saying 'awww' to make sure he is okay.  It is adorable to watch.
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  • Dobie_MamaDobie_Mama
    I think that's very normal.  As DD became older, she went from crying with a crying baby to "attending to" a crying baby.  Now, if a baby cries she will immediately run to him/her to see if he/she is ok.
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  • lanie26lanie26 member

    We make everything talk. No really. All her little dolls and buddies. They all "talk" to her. If its cold outside, we'll say "oooh is dolly cold? Lets tuck her in beside you in the wagon." She carries them so carefully, is so kind to them. Talks to them. It transfers to animals and other people. At her daycare our dcp is very big on empathy and showing affection for those who are hurting or who you have hurt, even accidentally. Jo knows to say "sorry" and kiss or hug and help pick up.

    She hates to see us sad, so we do that too. If she hits, I pretend to cry and she holds me and says "ohhhhh sorrrrrrrrrry sorrrrrrry."

    I think its about just connecting feelings with everything and everyone.

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