Sidekicks Celebrates Empathy Month

January 2013 is Empathy Month as part of Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Center’s Powerful Words Character Development program.

All students will be studying, developing and experiencing powerful life lessons focusing on becoming more empathetic in a fun, powerful and effective manner.

In addition to all of the physical skills that they'll be working on this month, students will be discussing and practicing the following concepts that will help them to appreciate and enjoy the value and benefit of being an empathetic member of our society.

Students will be focusing on the following topics both in and out of class:

• Empathy defined: Reading and understanding other people’s feelings.

• Predicting/communicating emotions: Educated guesses & “I feel” statements.

• The impact of emotions: Understanding how our actions impact others.

• Listening & expressing concern: Showing people that their feelings matter

“Those who have solid empathy skills frequently respond to those around them. Empathy is also a crucial social skill as it allows people to problem solve together as well as make and retain friends. Without the ability to determine the emotions and take the perspective of others, children may choose to act in ways that are wholly self-serving,” said Dr. Robyn Silverman, Sidekicks’ child and adolescent expert and creator of the Powerful Words Character Development system used at the facility.

Manny Cabrera III, chief instructor of Sidekicks Family Martial Arts Center in FishHawk Ranch, says, "Empathy is certainly one of our most powerful character traits…with this skill, our students are sure to benefit both here, at school and out in the real world. It’s been our experience that successful leaders are empathetic people and we’re confident that this month’s curriculum will prove life changing for many in our community. I enjoy seeing our community recognized as a place with Powerful Character, and seeing our students lead the way. We’re thrilled to help our students and our community to thrive and succeed, and empathy month is going to help us to do just that."