Introduction: Why it’s important to talk about The Lost Art of Empathy, Respect & Care in kids
I have explored in many of my recent posts how technology is affecting childhood. I cover topics like ChatGPT and kids’ schoolwork, digital parenting, and screen-free routines. But today, I want to go deeper. Why? Because every day I see something fundamental fading away. Teaching empathy, care and respect, in kids is becoming harder than ever before.
The world we live in is flooded with screens and influenced by AI. Even the most conscious digital parents often find themselves attached to screens. They are endlessly scrolling. Even while being in the same house and same room, family time is changing. It is slowly being replaced by background digital noise. Moreover, conversations are shorter, and connections and feelings are fading, creating more distance in relationships day by day. What we notice is that responses are slower, and emotional bonds, care, and respect are quietly eroding.
As we know, children are nurtured in the environment provided by parents. Also, we, being parents, are role models for them. As humans, we are spending less time together in person and more time interacting through devices. Thus, birthday greetings are replaced by emojis and voice notes. Fights erupt in chat windows—it’s words fighting against words without emotional expression. Apologies are texted instead of spoken and expressed. This is the bitter reality. So, teaching empathy, respect, and care in kids is no longer common—and increasingly difficult. That’s why I’m here today with a few points to share and to know your thoughts on this.
Why Empathy
This blog is all about that shift. Let’s explore what our children are missing in this digital era. The absence of empathy care and respect while raising kids. We will also look at how exposure to screens and AI can affect their capacity for compassion. Moreover, we need to support our children’s personality development. We should also bring back the lost values of kindness, respect, and emotional connection.
Empathy, care, and respect in kids are more important than other skills. If a child has all these, building other skills is easy. Besides that, real-world play, discussions, and conversations are now struggling to survive. Hands-on problem-solving and bonding also face challenges in the shadow of smart gadgets. Digital parenting is becoming the new normal. It’s time to pause and ask: what exactly are our kids losing in this digital era? What Are We Really Losing as parents and as a society
Digital Connection and the Loss of Empathy, Respect, and Care
While accepting smartphones, tablets, and AI assistants, we are unintentionally neglecting something far more important—the human displays they’re replacing. Things like genuine eye contact, light-heartening conversations, waiting patiently for one’s turn, saying thank you, or simply being polite.
We’ve come to realize that empathy, respect, and care aren’t just “nice-to-have” values. They’re the emotional glue that holds relationships together, encourages cooperation, and helps raise emotionally intelligent, resilient children.
But when kids spend extended periods in screen-based isolation, they miss out on the micro-moments that teach compassion. For example, they do not experience helping a friend who’s fallen. They miss offering someone a glass of water. They do not learn to wait respectfully for someone to finish speaking.
What is the logic behind this – Teaching Respect empathy and care
The brain isn’t just built for thinking—it’s built for connection. Kids don’t develop emotional intelligence by staring at screens. They grow it through real-life moments and the environment they’re part of. A shared laugh is essential for their growth. A burst of frustration can teach valuable lessons. A helping hand offered with a gentle tone reinforces understanding. These everyday interactions shape their ability to care, wait their turn, and understand how others feel.
But when screens begin to take the place of real people, this emotional learning starts to fade. In fact, research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that children who spend more than two hours a day on recreational screens perform worse on tests related to empathy. They also perform worse on tests related to emotional understanding.
Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that screen time is linked to lower scores in developmental screening tests for young children including areas like social-emotional skills and communication (Madigan et al., 2019).
When kids are glued to their screens, something subtle—but important—starts slipping away. It becomes harder to teach them simple yet powerful values like kindness, patience, and respect. After all, most digital spaces aren’t designed to nurture empathy. They reward quick wins—likes, views, shares—not thoughtful gestures or understanding others’ feelings.
Over time, kids start to show what they see online. Their conversations become shorter, their attention to others fades, and frustration replaces calm in small disagreements. It’s not just a change in habits but also it’s a quiet unraveling of emotional growth.
If we want our children to grow into compassionate, emotionally aware humans, we need to give them something better than endless scrolling. They need real-life connection and meaningful moments. We must provide them with the chance.
Why it’s important to have these soft skills-Empathy, Respect, and Care
When we say “human,” we think of humanity. And at the heart of humanity lies empathy, respect, and care.
These aren’t just soft skills—they’re the soul of who we are. Yet, in today’s digital age, the Alpha generation is growing up surrounded by AI, gadgets, and smart assistants. We must ask ourselves: are we raising emotionally aware humans? Or are we creating just high-performing machines?
Many of us, a digital parents, pour our energy into giving our children every advantage. These include coding classes, robotics, taekwondo, academic excellence, and sports. And yes, these are valuable skills. I value them too. They build discipline, logic, and physical strength. But here’s a gentle reminder: there’s no field—no classroom, no workplace, no relationship—where empathy, respect, and care aren’t needed.
In fact, these are the very qualities that help our children thrive socially and emotionally.
Empathy helps them form genuine friendships, resolve conflicts, and stand in someone else’s shoes. Respect teaches them to listen before speaking, to value different perspectives, and to wait their turn. And care—simple, heartfelt care—builds kindness, generosity, and meaningful connection.
But in a world driven by screens, likes, and fast content, these human values are slowly being drowned out. Conversations are shorter, eye contact is rare, and moments of connection are replaced by notifications.
If we want our children to grow into emotionally intelligent and compassionate adults, we must nurture these values. These adults lead with their hearts as well as their minds. It’s urgent.
The future needs a generation full of empathy, care, and respect. It also needs coders, athletes, and straight-A students.
It needs humans. Whole, connected, caring humans.
How Parents Can Rebuild Empathy, Respect & Care at Home
1. Parents are the role models—Empathy care and respect start with yourself.
Children mirror what they see. Before we expect empathy, respect, and care from our kids, we need to pause. We should ask ourselves: Do we practice these values in our own daily lives?
The most powerful way to teach your child is to model the behavior you want them to learn. Kids absorb far more from what we do than from what we say. When you say “thank you” to the household help, your child learns what humility looks like. When you sincerely apologize after a mistake, they learn what kindness is.
For example, when a parent hugs their child, they might say, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have shouted earlier.” This teaches emotional responsibility. It shows that being an adult doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being accountable.
Even in your toughest moments, show empathy. That’s how your child learns that compassion isn’t situational—it’s a constant. Teach them that respect isn’t about status, age, or background. True respect is rooted in humanity.
Let’s raise a digital generation filled with empathy. And it’s never too late to begin. Start with yourself.Start today. Let your child grow in the nurturing shadow of your example.
2- Praise your kids when they show empathy, care, and respect.
Children are learning every single day—just like we are. They’re not born with emotional maturity; they grow into it, one moment at a time. That’s why it’s so important to notice and appreciate the small acts of kindness they show.
Offering a toy to a sibling is a big win in a child’s emotional journey. Comforting a friend who’s upset is also significant. Saying “please” and “thank you” without being reminded marks important progress. Celebrate them.
Your words of praise—“That was really kind of you.” Phrases like “I noticed how you helped, and it made me proud” don’t just boost their confidence. They help shape the kind of person your child becomes.
So, let’s not wait for perfection. Let’s praise progress. Because empathy, care, and
3-Follow Routines That Raise Kind Hearts: teaching Empathy to kids
We all follow some routine at home—but let’s make room for emotional growth too. We set time for homework or play. Similarly, it helps to create space in the day to talk about empathy, care, and respect. Have open conversations with your child about what these values mean to them, and gently build on their understanding. Even during story time, choose books or tales that highlight kindness, compassion, and emotional awareness. These small conversations shape big character traits.
One beautiful way to do this is by establishing daily rituals. These can include phone-free dinners, evening walks, or board games that spark connection. A mother in my circle recently shared something lovely. They now do “Candlelight Dinner Fridays.” Everyone, including the house help and guards, gathers at the table. Phones are off, stories are shared, and laughter fills the room. What a powerful way to show children empathy and respect. These aren’t just words—they’re lived values. They include everyone around us.
4-Respect Emotions and Encourage Perspective-Taking about empathy
Children are still learning how to understand and express their emotions—and sometimes, that comes out as shouting, crying, or frustration. As parents, it’s our job to be their calm pillow. Normalize their feelings by saying, “It’s okay to feel upset or angry. What matters is how we handle those feelings.” Helping kids recognize that emotions are valid but need to be expressed respectfully is a powerful life lesson.
For instance, if your child yells at the cleaner for putting their toys in the “wrong” place, don’t just scold—guide. Later, talk to them gently: “How do you think she felt when you shouted at her?” This simple question encourages your child to pause, reflect, and see the world through someone else’s eyes.
Whether it’s a fight with a sibling or frustration with a friend, these small moments are big emotional growth opportunities. Teaching kids to consider others’ feelings nurtures empathy. This approach fosters care, respect, and emotional strength.
5- Praise Kindness, Empathy, and Care—Not Just Achievements
Let’s celebrate emotional wins too. Acknowledging acts of kindness can also have a big impact. For instance, you might say, “That was really kind of you to share your snack with the maid.” This can mean just as much. It might even mean more than cheering for high test scores or sports trophies.
Some parents use a “Kindness Scorecard.” Others give out a “Kind Heart Star” when their child helps a friend. They do this when their child shows respect or expresses empathy. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here—go with your instincts and find what works best in your home and for your child.
Parent Tip: Be specific with your praise. Avoid saying just “Good job.” Instead, try saying, “You did a great job greeting the guests today.” You can also say, “That was thoughtful of you to get water for Grandma.” You can also set up a Kindness Jar or Board—add a star or note every time
your child shows empathy, respect, or care. These small recognition build emotional intelligence over time.
6-Extend Help—At Home, in the Community, and at Work
Empathy, kindness, and care aren’t separate skills we teach in isolation. They come alive in action—when we lend a hand, listen with patience, or step in to support someone in need. Helping others is one of the most powerful ways to model these values for our children.
As parents, our everyday actions speak louder than any lesson. When kids see us offering help to a struggling neighbor, they start to learn. Being gentle with a coworker who’s having a hard day also teaches them. Simply supporting our own family members without complaint shows them what empathy looks like in real life.
Maybe it’s involving your child in making a care package for someone who is sick. Or it could be inviting them to help serve food to your parents or the house help. These moments create a lived experience of kindness.
Let your children witness your compassion in action. Show them that true strength lies in caring for others—whether it’s at home, in the community, or at work. Because that’s how we raise a generation that chooses connection over convenience, and humanity over hustle.
7- Use Screen Time Wisely Let It Teach Empathy, Respect, and Care
Not all screen time is harmful. In fact, when used mindfully, it can become a powerful tool to shape a child’s emotional world.
Instead of handing over a tablet just to keep them busy, choose stories that speak to the heart. Select movies, shows, and documentaries that highlight kindness, friendship, helping others, and standing up for what’s right. Let screen time become a window into how people feel, struggle, grow, and connect.
After watching, talk with your child. Ask, “What do you think the character felt when that happened?” or “What would you have done if you were in their place?” These conversations turn passive watching into emotional learning.
A well-chosen story can plant seeds of empathy far deeper than a lecture ever. So, let’s be intentional. Let’s use screens not just to entertain. Let’s use them to inspire compassion. We should model respect. We also need to teach our kids what it truly means to care.
conclusion: Let’s Raise Humans Who Still Care
We all want to be treated with kindness, respect, and empathy. Why not raise children who carry those same values into the digital age?
In today’s world, it’s easy to focus on making our kids smart, skilled, and successful. But let’s not forget—we’re raising future humans. And the world doesn’t just need more talent. It needs more heart.
Screens may be stealing eye contact, replacing real apologies with emojis, and turning attention spans into scrolls. But we, as parents, still have the power to protect the emotional core of childhood.
Teaching empathy, respect, and care isn’t about getting it right every time. It’s about showing up, being present, and modeling love in the little things.
Start with one meaningful conversation. One phone-free dinner. One moment of praise for kindness.
Because your child is always learning—even when you think they’re just watching.
Internal Blog Links to Include
- ChatGPT and Kids’ Homework: What Parents Need to Know (and Do)C
- Tips for Effective Co?Parenting in the Digital Age
- Parenting in Digital Age
- Parenting Mistakes Part 2: Tips to do Better
- Mom Guilt and Burnout Are Real: A Working Mother’s Silent Battle
Top 4 External resources to read
- American Psychological Association (APA) – Cultivating Empathy
A credible, psychology-based guide on how empathy develops and how parents can nurture it.
? https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/11/feature-cultivating-empathy - PubMed (NCBI) – Parenting, Temperament, and Empathy Development
Scientific research on how parenting styles and temperament influence empathy in children.
? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6533135/
- Education Northwest – Developing Empathy in Children and Youth (PDF Guide)
A practical, research-backed resource with strategies for different age groups.
? https://educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/developing-empathy-in-children-and-youth.pdf - Roots of Empathy – Official Program Site
A globally recognized classroom-based program proven to reduce aggression and increase empathy in children.
? https://us.rootsofempathy.org/
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