Empathy is a big thing with me.  I think lack of empathy causes problems in many ways, the most obvious being intolerance.  And if you’ve read this blog for long, you know how I feel about that!

What may surprise you is that I believe a major source of lack of empathy (or at least the free-for-all communication of it) is electronic communication. Just like what you and I are doing right now! I have seen a decline in decorum and respect over the last few years as social media, email, texting and Skype have replaced face-to-face meetings, phone calls and in-person contact in general. It is as though if you don’t have to say the words out loud and claim them, some people lose sight of being understanding and respectful of another viewpoint.

My concern here, other than the obvious, is that our kids will grow up seeing this as the norm. I deal with this issue in two main areas: my son’s food allergy and my product. I join many thousands of Moms of food-allergy sufferers who have heard, directly or via whispers, the complaints of why their child has to “suffer” with skipping a peanut butter sandwich for lunch just because another child (namely mine) has a life-threatening allergy to it. Likewise, I have received my share of beratement, much of it anonymous, for my product (one that helps Moms during feeding time, while others would judge needing help as weak parenting.)

A little empathy on the part of school Moms might help them to see things from my perspective: that by not sending peanut butter to school, they are allowing my son one small moment of fitting in or being “normal” at lunch, rather than segregated to another table by himself. Perhaps they have an issue with smoking and they have had to ask someone to smoke elsewhere so they can be comfortable. It’s the same thing!

The same empathy from a would-be critic of Bottle Snugglers might have a stay-at-home Mom of one cutting some slack to a Mom of several who needs a helping hand once in a while. Don’t we all need help in some area? Housekeepers, babysitters, lawn maintenance, restaurants that deliver – these all help us in other areas. 

As I ask for empathy from others, I am also challenged with showing empathy for those who offend me in some way. I do try to see things from their perspective and decode why they may be making a certain decision. I try to remember what it’s like when I am not offered the benefit of the doubt and treat them accordingly. It’s tricky, but it’s worth it.  And I teach my son, as much as you can teach a 4-year-old, that differences are ok and that you have to be proud of yourself in any situation.

I hope that we can set an example of the importance of respect and understanding of our friends and neighbors, no matter how we differ and espcially if the issue is not one that directly harms us or our families. We may not be perfect, but we will certainly make a difference in trying.

Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your thoughts. XOXOXO