Although he lived over 25o years ago, many people celebrate Robbie Burns Day. While I do not like haggis, I do like some of Burns poetry. I was reminded of one of his poems yesterday where he asked for prayers that people the world over “shall brothers be”. The topic of getting along with others seems to be a good choice for any day.
Did you know that children’s first 3 years are critical for the development of empathy? (research-Dr. Bruce Perry) While young children will not have the same awareness of others and sensitivity to their feelings as older ones, these are skills that can be promoted at home and at school. Some new research is showing that children who are empathetic do better at school, an important point for kindergarten readiness.
Dress up play is one way to help children develop empathy and it’s always fun for little ones. They love to clump around in mom’s or dad’s shoes, wear their Halloween costumes any time, and probably have some dress-up clothes in their toybox. Pretending they are different people helps children become aware of other peoples’ point of view. They begin to relate to others and develop empathy. When imagining and dressing-up children are exploring their own, and others, identity. Imagination helps kids ‘imagine’ how other’s feel.
Readiness for kindergarten comes in all different styles, including kilts. Does your little one like to play dress-up?