Discover the skills that every child needs.
Perspective Taking goes far beyond empathy: it involves seeing things as others would see them: their likes, dislikes, feelings and thoughts. It involves executive function skills, including remembering how others might respond (working memory); inhibiting our thoughts to understand the perspectives of others (inhibitory control); viewing situations in different ways (cognitive flexibility); and considering the thoughts and feelings of others (reflection).
Perspective Taking emerges in children over time but needs to be encouraged. Children with perspective taking skills are more likely to adjust better to school, to understand what they are learning through reading and writing and to build positive relationships with less conflict.
Here are some research-based ways to help improve children’s Perspective Taking:
“Ultimately what matters is that we not only discover how the child’s brain and mind work but also that we use that incredible knowledge to enable the greatness of every child in the world.”
Patricia Kuhl
University of Washington
These free, downloadable resources offer tips for building the Seven Essential Life Skills based on classic and diverse children’s books that promote the skills. Designed for three age groups, infants and toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age, Book Tips are available in English and Spanish.
Picky Eating, Bedtime Fears, Meltdowns, Constant Crying, Sibling Rivalry! We’ve researched the questions families and teachers most frequently ask and created short free guides, available in English and Spanish, for professionals and families to help turn common behavioral issues into opportunities to promote critical life skills in children.
Your support will allow us to continue to deliver our high-quality research, publications, and services to you. Families and Work Institute is registered as a 503(c)(3) non profit organization
EIN 13-3560042.
To provide a Corporate Gift or have Donation questions – Please email donate@familiesandwork.org
