In our age of narcissism, a new book offers research-based tips for encouraging children to be empathic.

We live in the age of the selfie—the ubiquitous symbol of narcissism.

But this focus on the self to the exclusion of others is harmful to our children, according to Michele Borba, author of the new book UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. More than the photos themselves, the idea behind them—that we are the center of our world—is the problem, reflecting a decreased focus on others and a lack of empathy.

According to Borba, low levels of empathy are rampant in our culture, and in kids that’s associated with bullying, cheating, weak moral reasoning, and mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. Her book is a call to parents, teachers, and other caring adults to help encourage children to develop empathy and generosity toward others, and it’s full of research-based tips on how to do so….

• 1. Help kids develop a moral identity…
• 2. Give kids “do-overs”…
• 3. Encourage empathy through stories…
• 4. Support empathy education in school…
• 5. Examine your values…
• 6. Be mindful of social media use…
• 7. Help kids find their inner hero….

By Jill Suttie