John L. Powell, Princeton
Princeton privilege may make it a challenge to imagine how others live, but there are many resources for parents wanting to help their children develop empathy.
The schools are first, especially the humanities. Reading a novel involves imagining someone else’s life.
The Appalachain Service Project, a week with a family in Appalachia working on their home, puts a human face on poverty that had a life-changing effect on our son.
Corner House, in its anti-bullying work, helps youth “feel the pain” of bullied classmates.
Go to the Holocaust Museum in Washington of the Jewish Museum in New York, but there are Jews among us who are survivors. The Jewish Center can help you meet them.
HiTops helps teens learn that even sex depends critically on considering the feelings of one’s partner.
Immaturity, “boys will be boys,” drinking, are really not excuses when so much is available to help youth develop empathy.
John L. Powell
Princeton
