Educating on Empathy

On Valentine's evening, we took the boys out to Shakey's when three of us got a free personal pizza from our school site. It did not cost us very much because we only spent the money for additional toppings and soft drinks. What a nice way to save our money and have fun on Valentine's on the same night!

However shortly after the pizzas were delivered, Ryan became a super BRAT! He kept saying unkind words to me and my husband, " I don't love you, I don't like you. I don't want you in my life" over and over. I got fed up with his negative attitude. We decided to go straight home without stopping by Barnes and Nobles which the boys loved.

When Ryan learned we had changed our plan, he suddenly wanted us to accept his apology. Too late! We told him it was too late and were head for home. He had his frowning face all the way home. By the time, we got home. We forced him to go straight to BED at 7:30 P.M.

We strongly believe in disciplining our kids at young age. This is essential imperative lesson to educate and develop respecting for others and feelings of empathy. It did not make him an excuse for getting away from this behavior due to his disability. We know he understands what was wrong and right. Therefore, we talked and explained to him why he was sent to bed.

The best two rules are:

• Talk to your child about respecting the feelings of other family members and of other people they know.

. Show respect for the property of other people and let your child know that you expect him/her to respect other people's property, too. Children learn best through the example you set.


We have a feeling that he will repeat one more time by testing us. We did repeat the same thing we did to him last night. From that point, he will learn the significant lesson at young age. It will make difference in him by respecting others way much better than the parents who don't take their devoting time by educating the child in manners.