How to Teach Empathy at Home: A Parent’s Guide with Storybooks

May 31, 2025

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In today’s world, empathy is one of the most vital life skills a child can develop. While schools introduce the concept, its foundation is laid at home. One of the most impactful ways to nurture empathy in young children is through the stories they hear and love.
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We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.” ~ Stacia Tauscher
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Why Storytelling Works

Books allow kids to walk in someone else’s shoes, explore diverse perspectives, and practice emotional reflection. According to Kong Academy, early exposure to empathy helps children build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts effectively.

4 Practical Tips for Parents:

1.    Read Together Daily

 

It fosters trust and opens up emotional discussions.

 

2.    Ask Thoughtful Question

 

“What would you do?” or “How do you think they felt?” Every book in the What If We Were series ends with discussion questions great for teachers and parents to engage young readers.

 

3.    Pick Diverse Books

 

Show characters from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

 

4.    Model Empathy Yourself

 

Kids imitate what they observe more than what they’re told.

 

Recommended Read: What If We Were Bundle

 

Created by C.M. Harris, this 4-book SEL bundle explores themes like kindness, generosity, empathy, and emotional resilience through vivid illustrations and rhyming text. A perfect fit for bedtime or homeschooling

 

Tool: Harvard’s Making Caring Common Project
Why it’s helpful: Offers actionable tools and research-backed strategies to raise empathetic, caring children.

 

Bonus: Pre-order now and receive a festive holiday storybook—limited time only.

 
What If We Were Series Bundles
What If We Were Series Bundles
What If We Were Series Bundles
Book cover of 'What If We Were All The Same!' with diverse faces around the title.
Book cover of 'What If We Were All Friends!' with cartoon children around a central yellow circle.
Book cover of 'What If We Were All Kind!' with children around a sun-shaped title on a red background.
Book cover of 'What If We Were All Generous!' with children holding a banner on a yellow background.
Four children's books titled 'What If We Were All The Same', 'What If We Were All Friends', 'What If We Were All Kind', and 'What If We Were All Generous' by C.M.

What If We Were Series Bundles

$74.95
$99.99

Help Us Reach Our 100 Order Goal — pre-order hardcover bundle TODAY

Empower children to lead with kindness, empathy, and generosity with this complete 5-book hardcover set from the award-winning What If We Were series by C.M. Harris.

Loved by educators, parents, and kids, this series uses rhyme, colorful illustrations, and real-life examples to teach children how to treat others with compassion and celebrate what makes us all unique.

📚 This Hardcover Bundle Includes:

  1. What If We Were All the Same! — A joyful celebration of diversity and differences

  2. What If We Were All Friends! — A heartwarming story of inclusion and friendship

  3. What If We Were All Kind! — A reminder that kindness can be simple and powerful

  4. What If We Were All Generous! — Teaches how to give with heart: time, love, and more

🎁 BONUS GIFT:

🎄 What If We Were All Merry! hardcover— a special holiday story about spreading joy and togetherness

Perfect For:

  • Teachers and school librarians

  • SEL and character education programs

  • Homeschool families

  • Holiday and birthday gifting

Or order from our available bundles that ship now
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A Must-Read

My Teacher Says: A Day at School is the first book in the My Teacher Says series—a heartwarming and engaging story that takes young readers through a fun-filled school day. Perfect for children ages 5-9, this delightful rhyming picture book highlights the lessons kids learn at school, from morning routines to classroom kindness, all while embracing the joys of discovery and friendship.
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The Secret Candy Drawer Book by Author Marci Carrasco
The Secret Candy Drawer
The Secret Candy Drawer
The Secret Candy Drawer
The Secret Candy Drawer

The Secret Candy Drawer

$16.00

Unlock The Magic and Sweet Surprise of The Secret Candy Drawer

Who doesn't love candy?
Dive into a whimsical world of wonder and surprises with The Secret Candy Drawer by Marci Carrasco! This delightful story follows a curious and imaginative child, Phoebe, who discovers the magic—and mischief—hidden inside a special candy drawer. This book is a sweet treat for young readers, packed with colorful illustrations by Geri Hellman and playful storytelling.

Children will love the sense of adventure and the valuable lessons about impulse control, dental hygiene, and self-control. Whether you share this vibrant story during storytime or gift it to a young reader, this charming book will spark joy and a few giggles. Get ready for a sugar-coated journey that teaches kindness with every page turn!

Colorful stickers are included!
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The journey to empathy begins with storytime. A child who can see the world through another’s eyes becomes a more compassionate, understanding person.

 

 

Looking for the best books to teach empathy to kids? Start with the What If We Were series—crafted for parents who want more than bedtime stories. Ready to raise kind, emotionally aware children? 

 

📚 Pre-order your SEL book bundle now and build empathy one story at a time.
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