Nurturing Empathy in Children: Your Quick & Simple Guide

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you."

-Walt Whitman

Rise and shine, Mama! Wednesday is upon us and so is another chance to nurture and cherish our little ones.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Making mini-empaths out of our kiddos

• Hair ties + cookie cutters = baby-proofing

• An absolutely fin-tastic recipe

• Chic Succulent Planters. You might just start a business!

Little Scholars & Growing Giggles

Nurturing Empathy in Kids: It's Simpler Than You Think!

We’ve all heard it before – empathy is not just a feeling, it's a skill.

And just like bike riding or cookie baking, our little humans get better with practice.

Now, it's not about being the next Mother Teresa overnight.

It's the small, everyday things like caring for living things - babies, animals, plants - that can help them stretch those empathy muscles. Here's how.

Baby Steps to Empathy 

Let’s start with babies.

Isn’t it adorable when our young ones mimic us in caring for their younger siblings? They may not realize it, but they're walking a mile in our mommy shoes.

Just like Daniel Tiger caring for his baby sister, Margaret, they're learning to imagine others' needs. Even fetching diapers and wipes counts!

Pet Project 

Next, animals.

Remember the jar of baby ladybugs my kiddo has? She’s playing ‘pet-mom’ every day, checking if her tiny charges need food or water.

And if we don’t have pets? No problem! Stuffed animals can play a part in this empathy-building play.

Garden of Empathy 

Lastly, there’s nothing like tending to plants to teach patience and care, much like nurturing relationships.

As they water their seedlings and watch them blossom, they'll learn to nurture empathy, just like those blossoming plants.

Takeaway

We’ll see our kiddos evolve. From showing concern for a crying friend to asking about others’ feelings, these are telltale signs of empathy.

With patience, love, and understanding, we’ll see our little ones growing into caring and compassionate individuals.

Now, isn’t that something to cheer about?

Keep reading here.

Together with Beehiiv

Cash-In on Couch-Time

Tired of vegging out on the sofa without making the most of your time?

Start a newsletter and make a side income while sharing your passions and thoughts with the world.

I'm using Beehiiv for this very newsletter, and I can't recommend it enough for its ease of use and mom-friendly features.

So, slip into your comfy PJs, seize the moment, and turn your thoughts into a thriving side hustle.

Mom Hack

Use hair ties or cookie cutters to baby-proof

Mom Hack

Skip the fancy cabinet locks. Simply use hair ties or cookie cutters to secure your cabinets.

They're just as effective and won't cost a dime!

Mom’s Menu

Tuna Fish Cakes 🎉🍽️

Got a hectic day ahead and no plan for dinner yet?

Take a deep breath and read on, because we've got a simple and tasty solution for you—Tuna Fish Cakes. 🐟

Ingredients📝

• 500g (1lb) Starchy Potatoes, peeled and chunky chopped

• 2 x 185g (6.5oz) Cans of Tuna in Spring Water, drained well

• 2 Spring/Green Onions, finely diced

• Juice of 1 Lime

• 2 tbsp Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), finely chopped

• Salt and Pepper (To taste, skip if making for a baby)

• 30g (½ Cup) Bread Crumbs

• 1 tbsp (or as needed) Oil for frying

Instructions👩‍🍳

1. Boil those spuds: Add the potatoes to a large pan, cover with water, and cook until tender (about 10-15 mins).

2. Drain & Mash: Drain the potatoes, give them a shake, let them steam dry, then mash until smooth. Let them cool.

3. Mix it up: Add the tuna, spring onion, lime juice, coriander to the mashed potatoes, mix well.

4. Shape 'em: Mold the mix into equal rounds. Go as big or small as you fancy.

5. Crispy coat time: Press/roll each cake in the breadcrumbs until coated.

6. Cooking Options:

   • Option 1: Heat oil in a frying pan, fry the patties on both sides until golden.

   • Option 2: Place on a lined baking sheet, spray with oil, bake at 200C/400F for 20-25mins or until golden and crispy, turning halfway.

Note📌

Make ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for extra busy days.

You can substitute ingredients based on what's in your pantry or cater to the little picky eaters at home.

Plus, your kiddos can help with the mixing and shaping—making it a fun kitchen project!

In a nutshell, these Tuna Fish Cakes are an absolute lifesaver. Quick, nutritious, and kid-approved—what's not to love?

Try this recipe out, and your dinner woes might just become a thing of the past. Bon appétit, mama! 🌟🍴

Keep reading here.

Daily DIY (Mom Side Hustle)

Stylish Succulent Planters (Make and Sell)

Get hands-on and create unique succulent planters using concrete, sand, and a splash of paint.

These chic and versatile planters can be a profitable item to sell at your local farmer's market or on a handmade goods site.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This hat is a lifesaver for outdoor adventures, providing essential sun protection for your little one.

It's adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit as your baby grows.

It's one of my favorites because it combines practicality with peace of mind, knowing my baby is protected from the sun. 😄 

Baby Flap Sun Protection

Game

Parenting Quiz

How often should you typically bathe a newborn? (Answer below)

A) Daily

B) Every other day

C) Twice a week

D) Once a week

E) Only when they start to smelling kind of funny

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

D) Once a week