How to Teach Empathy to Kids Through Play

Empathy is one of the most essential social-emotional skills a child can learn but it doesn’t develop on its own. It grows through everyday experiences, gentle guidance, and the kind of play that invites curiosity about other people’s feelings. 

At Pitch a Fête, we believe meaningful play is one of the most effective ways to nurture empathy. When children feel emotionally safe and fully engaged, they’re better equipped to understand the world beyond themselves. That’s why we create plush pals and printable Pitch A Fête Storybook Collection books and printables designed for those moments of connection—tools that help kids feel seen, supported, and emotionally anchored. Because let’s face it: hearing an adult explain empathy might sound like a lesson, but learning from a gentlehearted dragon who is learning to trust himself and stand in his truth or a fox who gardens because it helps her feel calm? That's a story they'll carry with them.

Recognize Empathy in Everyday Interactions

Within the framework of social-emotional learning (SEL), empathy reveals itself through small but significant actions, even in very young children:

• A toddler offering their favorite teddy to a crying friend

• A preschooler asking with genuine concern, "Are you okay?"

• A kindergartner noticing when someone sits alone and inviting them to play

These seemingly simple moments reflect developing emotional awareness, perspective-taking, and compassion, which are the building blocks of empathy that will serve children throughout their lives.

Create Environments Where Empathy Can Grow

Children don't automatically understand empathy, it's a skill that develops through modeling, practice, and emotionally supportive environments. When we make empathy a priority in a child's social-emotional development, we equip them with essential tools for:

• Building meaningful relationships rooted in mutual respect

• Navigating conflict with care and thoughtfulness

• Strengthening emotional regulation

• Fostering inclusion and appreciation for differences

The most powerful learning happens when empathy becomes woven into everyday moments, not just reserved for formal lessons or structured activities.

Model Emotional Presence During Big Feelings

When children experience difficult emotions, resist the urge to immediately fix or dismiss their feelings. Instead, model empathetic presence:

"I see how frustrated you are with that puzzle."

"It's really disappointing when things don't work out how you hoped."

This approach teaches children that all feelings deserve acknowledgment—a lesson they'll apply when responding to others' emotions.

Build Emotional Language Through Imaginative Play

Playtime offers natural opportunities to build emotional literacy. Use stuffed animals, puppets, or dolls to explore feelings in a safe, engaging way:

"Your bear looks worried about something. What might help them feel better?"

"Can you show me what 'excited' looks like on your face? How about 'disappointed'?"

These playful moments help children recognize and respond to foundational empathetic skills like emotional cues.

Treat Empathy as a Lifelong Practice

There's no quick formula for raising empathetic children. It's a journey made of countless small moments (some are planned, many more are spontaneous) where modeling, language, and heartfelt connection create the conditions for empathy to grow.

So the next time your child points and asks, "Why is that person crying?" recognize it for what it is: a precious opportunity to nurture one of humanity's most powerful capacities, the ability to see and care about another person's experience.