Being able to understand others fuels creativity, helping children make new, meaningful connections.

Imagine a group of kids working on an art project. One child grabs a marker and starts drawing without asking anyone else. Another pauses, listens to everyone's ideas, and turns their suggestions into a shared masterpiece. Which child shows more creativity? Surprisingly, it's the one who took the time to understand and include their classmates' perspectives.

This connection between empathy and creativity is both profound and scientifically backed. Empathy, one of the seven character strengths of our C.O.U.R.A.G.E. framework, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is the foundation of meaningful relationships, collaboration and a caring approach to the world. In a future where global challenges require collective action, empathy will be more important than ever.

Empathetic children are better at resolving conflicts, working with diverse groups and understanding different perspectives. By cultivating empathy, we prepare our kids to not only succeed in their own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and connected world. In this article, we’ll explore how empathy fuels creativity, why it’s a vital skill for your child’s future and how you can foster it at home.

How empathy and creativity connect

Empathy allows children to step into someone else’s shoes, helping them see problems from multiple perspectives. This is a core element of creativity, which thrives on flexible thinking and the ability to connect ideas in novel ways.

A study published in Creativity Research Journal^[1] found that people with higher levels of empathy are better at generating creative solutions, as they’re more open to exploring others’ experiences and ideas. Neuroscience^[2] also reveals that empathy engages brain regions associated with imagination, allowing children to think beyond their own experiences and imagine alternative outcomes or solutions.

When children practise empathy, they unlock new ways of thinking. For example, a child designing a poster to promote recycling might consider how it could appeal to people with different priorities, like those who care about the environment or those who want a clean neighbourhood. Empathy transforms creativity into something meaningful and impactful.

Why your child needs to develop empathy 

Yes, empathy makes your children more thoughtful about the feelings and perspectives of others. But we’ve also seen that it helps sharpen their creative edge. By understanding others’ emotions and needs, your child will be better equipped to think “outside the box”, approach challenges with fresh perspectives and come up with innovative solutions tailored to diverse situations.

For instance, imagine two children asked to design a toy for a younger sibling. Sibling 1 creates a toy based solely on personal preferences, while Sibling 2 takes time to observe what the younger sibling enjoys and asks questions. Sibling 2, drawing on empathy, is likely to create something far more engaging and thoughtful for their younger sibling.

Empathy also boosts teamwork and problem-solving. A child who can see the perspectives of others is able to collaborate effectively, and is more likely to build stronger relationships and achieve successful outcomes both in group projects at school and in the workplace in the future.

Some parents worry that teaching empathy might make their child overly sensitive or vulnerable. However, research^[3] shows that empathy doesn’t weaken a child. Rather, it strengthens their emotional intelligence and resilience. Children with strong empathy are often better at handling conflicts and managing their own emotions.

How to teach your child empathy

If your child struggles with being empathetic, rest assured that empathy is a skill that can be nurtured gradually. While some children might naturally find empathy harder, all children can learn it with the right guidance and opportunities. The key is patience and creating a supportive environment where empathy can flourish.

Fostering empathy in children is simpler than it might seem, and it can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life in the following ways: 

Encourage them to consider other people’s feelings: You can ask questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when you shared your snack?” or “What do you think it’s like to be in their situation?”

Involve them in storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for developing empathy^[4]. Reading books or watching films with diverse characters allows children to explore different perspectives. Afterwards, discuss the characters’ feelings and motivations. 

Get them to role-play scenarios: Role-playing games, where children imagine how they would respond to specific scenarios, helps to further develop empathy while sparking creativity. For example, ask your child to imagine they are part of a team of explorers stranded in the desert and they must decide together how to use limited resources. Such scenarios not only spark creativity but also require them to empathise with each other’s ideas and concerns.

Involve them in regular group activities: Group activities are a fantastic way to foster both empathy and creativity. When children work together, they encounter different perspectives, which encourages them to think more flexibly. Activities like brainstorming sessions, collaborative art projects, or even group games that require strategy help children practise listening, understanding and building on others’ ideas.

Teamwork teaches children the value of diverse viewpoints, helping them see problems from angles they might not have considered. For example, during a group activity to design a birdhouse, one child might focus on structure while another suggests colours and decorations. By combining their strengths, they create something far better than either could alone.

Model empathy as a parent: Children often mirror your behaviour, so showing understanding and compassion toward others, whether it’s a neighbour, teacher, or stranger, can inspire them to do the same. This, in turn, creates a ripple effect, helping them approach creative tasks with a more open and inclusive mindset.

Empathy, creativity and the real world

Empathy-driven creativity is a game-changer for your child’s future. In school, children who understand their peers’ perspectives can collaborate effectively on group projects or come up with creative ways to resolve conflicts. Beyond academics, empathy helps children build stronger relationships and navigate the complexities of teamwork and leadership.

In adulthood, these skills are even more vital. Many innovative ideas and businesses are born from empathy. Consider inventions like noise-cancelling headphones, designed by someone who understood the need for peace in noisy environments, or apps that simplify access to essential services. Empathy helps people identify problems worth solving and channel creativity to address them.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, creativity and empathy together form a powerful combination. As technology automates routine tasks, the ability to innovate and connect with others emotionally will become increasingly valuable. Empathy ensures that creativity is not just about producing ideas but about solving real problems in meaningful ways.

Final thoughts

If there’s one key takeaway for parents, it’s this: empathy is a superpower that amplifies creativity and prepares children for a brighter future. By encouraging your child to understand and value others’ perspectives, you’re giving them the tools to innovate, connect and thrive in an ever-changing world.

This week, try a simple activity: read a story together and discuss how the characters might feel in different situations. Ask your child how they would respond or what they might do differently. It’s a small but impactful way to start fostering empathy and creativity at home.

Ranger Buddies missions are designed to help children build empathy for the world around them. Through immersive missions, they learn about the environmental challenges affecting people and wildlife, drawing on their empathy to solve obstacles and lend a helping hand. Check out what’s on today!

REVIEWED BY DR JACQUELINE CHUNG

References

^[1]Demetriou, H., & Nicholl, B. (2022). Empathy is the mother of invention: Emotion and cognition for creativity in the classroom. https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.63165
^[2]Zaki, J., & Ochsner, K. N. (2012). The neuroscience of empathy: Progress, pitfalls, and promise. Nature Neuroscience Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2795
^[3]Morin, A. (2024, September). Cultivating emotional intelligence in kids: A guide for parents. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/202409/cultivating-emotional-intelligence-in-kids-a
^[4]Brodkin, A. (2023, May). Teaching children empathy. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mindful-relationships/202305/teaching-children-empathy