Empathy beginnings in infancy

With many theorist proposing different views on when a child's empathy begins to emerge what can you do from the very beginning to set the foundation of prosocial skills? The answers may surprise you, as they are behaviors that most parents find naturally. If you ever feel uncertain as a parent look at this list to remember all the great ways you are giving your child the best start possible.

• Met your infant's needs. Figure out your young infants natural routine and rhythm; when is she or he usually hungry, tired, playful, etc.? Begin to anticipate when your infant will need what to prevent stress for you AND your infant! This allows you to meet needs before your infant vocalizes (i.e. cries) a need. It also lays the foundation for trust. The key to your infant gaining trust, which I theorize plays an important role in a child's later prosocial behaviors such as empathy,  is "sensitive, responsive, consistent caregiving" (Eric Erikson). When you care for your infant you are essentially teaching them how to care for others, which includes the ability to empathize. 
• Spend time holding, snuggling, smiling and playing with your infant. Again, this is easy! As a parent you enjoy this and it typically comes natural. This directly connects with the previous statements about meeting your child's needs. It is another way that you are directly teaching your infant how to show care for others. 
• Talk to your infant. For more on this you can look at the earlier post and video regarding an infant's language development. Talking through routine care not only promotes language development but it can also add another layer of how your infant feels secure and has trust in his or her's environment. Try talking specifically about emotions. For instance, when your infant is upset, say, because a loud noise started them awake: hold them close and provide physical comfort as you speak calmly about the situation. "Oh, that noise scarred you. I know, your upset about being woke up. I'm here; your safe." In doing this you are empathizing with your infant, which, once again, is teaching them how to do so later in life. This is the one that some parents feel less natural with. Talking to an infant can be difficult because they do not speak back and we assume they do not understand us. To help with this, try looking for the ways your infant does "speak" in response.