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KindnessUpdated

How to Teach Empathy to a 5-Year-Old

Quick Answer

Five-year-olds build empathy by noticing feelings in others and practicing caring actions. Point out faces and body language, ask "How do you think she feels?" during stories and real moments, and help your child do one kind thing in response. Showing empathy to them is the strongest teacher.

What it looks like by age

  1. 4

    Age 4

    Notices when someone is crying and may bring a toy or hug.

  2. 5

    Age 5

    Can guess how others feel and start to understand different points of view.

  3. 7–8

    Age 7–8

    Can imagine how someone feels in a new situation and offer thoughtful help.

Why it happens

Empathy grows step by step: first recognizing feelings, then understanding that others feel differently, then acting kindly. Children learn it fastest when adults show empathy to them.

What to say

  • "Look at his face. How do you think he feels?"

  • "How would you feel if that happened to you?"

  • "What could we do to help her feel better?"

  • "You noticed your friend was sad. That was kind."

Instead of… try…

Tap a card to flip it.

Try it together

At home

10 min

Feelings Detective

In the classroom

15 min

Walk in Their Shoes

☀️ Sunny's Shine Challenge

Ask "How do you think they feel?" three times this week during stories or real moments.

Questions parents and teachers ask

Can you teach empathy to young children?

Yes. Empathy develops over time and grows with practice, modeling and talking about feelings.

Why doesn't my 5-year-old seem to care when others are upset?

Many 5-year-olds still focus on themselves. Keep pointing out feelings; it grows with age and practice.

Sunny says

Sunny the Panda listening kindly
“When I see a sad face, I ask, "Are you okay?"”

Written by Audrey Bell-Kearney

Related skills

See all Kindness skills →