Empathy Dolls in Early Childhood Development
What Is Empathy and Why Is It Important?
Imagine a world where a simple doll can teach a child to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy dolls are making this possible, transforming the way young children develop empathy — a vital skill for their social and emotional growth.
Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is crucial for young children. It enhances their emotional intelligence and social skills, helping them build better relationships and navigate social situations more effectively. Despite its importance, emotional development hasn’t always been prioritised in early years settings as much as other areas of the curriculum.
Various theorists have, over the years, proposed that early learning should acknowledge much broader educational and spiritual areas. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs highlights the importance of addressing a child’s needs on various levels — physical, social, and spiritual (see illustration).
Empathy doll’s approach fits perfectly into this broader learning landscape, offering children a hands-on way to better understand themselves and those around them.
What is an Empathy Doll?
Empathy Dolls are designed for playing, learning, bonding, and therapy, supporting the development of emotional understanding, trust, and promoting a sense of well-being. These dolls stimulate the senses, promoting relaxation and reflection. The strong sensory stimulation has a relaxing effect, enhancing the ability to relate and reflect.
These dolls have physical characteristics, family backgrounds, stories, characters, likes, and dislikes, helping children understand and accept diversity and themselves. The Empathy Dolls approach focuses on getting children to accept that no matter what makes us different, it is “okay to be me”.
Main Features of Empathy Dolls
- Expressive Eyes: Demand attention and foster emotional bonding.
- Soft Material: Awakens great feelings and promotes comfort.
- Friendly Facial Expression: Encourages conversation and social interaction.
- Heartbeat Feature: Promotes security, trust, and a calming effect.
- Easy-to-Change Clothes: Enhances role-playing activities.
- Realistic Genitals: Helps children build their personal identity and positive self-image.
- Flexible Bodies: Allow the dolls to sit, walk, and lie down naturally.
- Pleasant Scents: Evoke pleasant feelings and memories, enhancing emotional security.
View in our catalogue
Find out more about Empathy Dolls in our PDF catalogue.
Introducing an Empathy Doll in Your Setting
The “Empathy Doll” approach involves integrating the doll into the setting and including it in various activities such as snack time, outdoor play, and parent-toddler groups. The introduction of the doll should be planned and carried out over time, in partnership with parents and an explanation behind it.
By integrating this approach into play and educational activities, Empathy Dolls serves as an excellent tool to help children develop crucial social and emotional skills.
Have a look at our brochure to discover how the “Empathy Dolls Approach” could benefit your setting.
