We live in a time when empathy is not only lacking but on the decline. Kids are bullied because of their weight, color of their skin, religion, identity, and more. Bullying and cyberbullying are increasing, especially for children of color, LGBTQ youth, and Asian, Jewish, and Muslim youth. Fueled by decreases in respect, kindness, and compassion, our civil society is in decline.

The good news is that empathy–the ability to walk in someone else’s shoes –can be learned and developed. This book coaches adults to teach empathy to kids. Kids with better social-emotional skills, including empathy, end up as better friends, co-workers, spouses, partners and parents. Families with a higher empathy quotient have a more peaceful, loving culture at home.

In this guide for the busiest adults, parents and educators are coached to help their children and students develop social skills that will equip them to better make pro-social choices with self-compassion and empathetic concern–from preschool to high school.