Children Can Develop Empathy Even in Non-Harmonious Families, Here Are the Conditions

Child Character Development Beyond Family Structure

The assumption that warm, caring, and empathetic children can only emerge from harmonious families is contradicted by psychological evidence. Children growing up in less-than-ideal environments can still develop noble character traits.

Dr Vera Itabiliana Hadiwidjojo, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist at the University of Indonesia’s Psychology Institute, has revealed that the key to a child’s mental development lies not in the perfection of family structure, but in the quality of emotional support received.

According to Vera, children need at least one caring and competent adult figure to provide a sense of security. This figure does not have to be a biological parent; they can come from other social environments.

“Many children develop into warm individuals because they are influenced by other significant figures in their lives, such as teachers, grandparents, siblings, or supportive social environments,” Vera explained.

The presence of figures capable of providing consistent acceptance becomes a strong foundation for developing empathy and warmth in children towards others. Children’s loving character typically stems from an environment that creates a psychologically safe space. A child who feels valued and loved unconditionally will more easily project these feelings to their surroundings.

Vera emphasised that parents or substitute caregivers must habitually treat children in an empathetic manner. “This includes being willing to listen to and understand what the child is feeling,” she added.

With parenting patterns that prioritise understanding, even children growing up in difficult circumstances have the opportunity to become caring and compassionate individuals in the future.