How do you teach a 6 yr old empathy

[Anonymous]

Towards animals?

I'm not talking about a kid who purposely abuses animals. I'm talking about a kid that can't grasp the concept that a small animal like a rat can be hurt of they fall/jump out of your hands.

Talking and explaining the animal would most likely die if it falls isn't working and since it's not my kid and not my animal I can't just tell the kid they can't touch the rat.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

Bump!

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

Bump

[Hannahluvsdogs]

You just have to explain to them that the animal is small and can get hurt easily. Be very specific, and show the kid how to handle the animal properly.

[Anonymous]

Watch animal-friendly movies, such as Chicken Run, Bambi, Lady and the Tramp, Shiloh, Free Willy, Babe, My Dog Skip, Finding Nemo, and Shark Tale.
Read your children books that show animals as feeling individuals, such as Lassie Come Home, Black Beauty, Charlotte's Web, Frederick, Blueberries for Sal, The Forgotten Door, and Make Way for Ducklings.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

Thanks. I'll be going to the library tonight to pick up some books.

Quoting Anonymous:

Watch animal-friendly movies, such as Chicken Run, Bambi, Lady and the Tramp, Shiloh, Free Willy, Babe, My Dog Skip, Finding Nemo, and Shark Tale.

Read your children books that show animals as feeling individuals, such as Lassie Come Home, Black Beauty, Charlotte's Web, Frederick, Blueberries for Sal, The Forgotten Door, and Make Way for Ducklings.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

I've done that weekly for the last three months.

Quoting Hannahluvsdogs:

You just have to explain to them that the animal is small and can get hurt easily. Be very specific, and show the kid how to handle the animal properly.