How to Raise an Empathetic Teen

Teens tend to think of only themselves and are about as un-empathetic as you can get. Still there are ways of having them be more empathetic and understand the plights of others. Raising an empathetic teen can be difficult at times, but it is possible. Read on to find out how.

Instructions

1 Start by assessing the needs of your teen when it comes to needing to be empathetic. Are they self-centered? Do they think of their friends and family ahead of themselves? Ask yourself these questions to see what you need to work on with your teen.
2Watch the news with your teen to help them understand what the plights of others are like and discuss these issues with your teen. Get them to understand that things are not always rosy in the lives of others and that many throughout the world are not as lucky as they are.
3Have your teen participate in charities, such as donating clothing or giving money to the poor. Have them earn money at home and donate a portion of it to the poor or to those in need. Have them go through their own clothing or hold a small clothing drive among their class and donate that as well.
4Find some volunteer jobs for your teen, perhaps those that the whole family can participate in. Habitat for Humanity or a homeless kitchen is a good place to start. Anything a teen can do to learn empathy for others and see how the other side of the community lives will help her develop a sense of volunteerism and a more meaningful way of living in society.