The Empathy Advantage - by Lynne Azarchi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

We live in a time when empathy is not only lacking but on the decline. Kids are bullied because of their weight, color of their skin, religion, identity, and more. Bullying and cyberbullying are increasing, especially for children of color, LGBTQ youth, and Asian, Jewish, and Muslim youth. Fueled by decreases in respect, kindness, and compassion, our civil society is in decline.

The good news is that empathy--the ability to "walk in someone else's shoes"--can be learned and developed. This book coaches adults to teach empathy to kids. Kids with better social-emotional skills, including empathy, end up as better friends, co-workers, spouses, partners and parents. Families with a higher empathy quotient have a more peaceful, loving culture at home.

In this guide for the busiest adults, parents and educators are coached to help their children and students develop social skills that will equip them to better make pro-social choices with self-compassion and empathetic concern--from preschool to high school.

Review Quotes

As this coaching guide shows, empathy can be taught. Most importantly, Lynne can teach it, and that is exactly why this book belongs in every home and classroom3/4now more than ever.

--Maurice J. Elias, PhD, Rutgers University's Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab and author, Emotionally Intelligent Parenting

Just like What to Expect When You're Expecting, this is one you can refer to for years to come. If you know a parent who is struggling right now, or maybe you are wondering how to get your child to be kinder to others, I highly recommend this one.

--Stranded in Chaos blog review

This guide helps parents, caregivers and educators develop children's ability for human connection while acknowledging the strength in diversity, as well as practicing equity and inclusion.

--Yonty Friesem, PhD Founding Director, Civic Media Program, Columbia College Chicago

The time has never been more ripe for parents and educators to explicitly teach empathy. The Empathy Advantage is timely and provides evidence-based guidance for parents and educators.

--Nadia S. Ansary, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology, Rider University