🌱 Perspective Taking🌱

In this newsletter, you will get....

• Feature Article

• Parenting Tips

Feature Article

Michele Borba outlines three ways to help kids and teens understand and accept different people's perspectives in the article 3 Ways to Teach Kids Perspective-Taking.

Parenting Tips

Discuss Storybook Characters

When reading books, take time to discuss the characters’ feelings, actions, and motivations. Ask your child how they think each character feels and why they might be acting a certain way.

• Example Questions:

  • "Why do you think the character did that?"

  • "How would you feel if you were in their situation?"

  • "What could the character have done differently?"

Explore Different Cultures and Experiences

Expose your child to stories, games, and activities from different cultures and backgrounds. This helps them see that not everyone’s experience is the same and teaches them to appreciate diversity.

Encourage Empathy Through Emotions

Help your child identify and name emotions, both in themselves and others. By recognizing feelings, they can start to understand that everyone experiences emotions differently.

Praise Perspective-Taking Behavior

When you notice your child showing empathy or understanding someone else’s point of view, praise them for it. Reinforce the behavior by explaining why it’s important.

• Example: "I saw how you helped your friend when they were sad. That was very kind, and it shows that you care about how they feel."

Foster Open Conversations

Create an environment where your child feels safe to express their own feelings and perspectives. Encourage them to ask questions about others’ experiences and viewpoints. Let them know it’s okay to disagree but important to respect others’ opinions.