At what age do children typically start to exhibit empathy?

Children typically start to exhibit empathy around age 2. This developmental milestone reflects significant cognitive and emotional growth occurring during this stage. At approximately two years old, children begin to recognize and respond to the feelings of others, which marks the early emergence of empathetic behavior. They may show concern when they see someone upset or offer comfort, even if their understanding of those emotions is still quite basic.

This nascent empathy is often demonstrated through actions like giving a toy to a crying peer or attempting to console a caregiver who appears sad, showcasing their developing understanding of social dynamics. Around this age, children's abilities to connect emotionally with others begin to solidify, laying the groundwork for more complex empathetic responses that will continue to evolve in subsequent years.

As children approach age 3 and beyond, they often become even more proficient in recognizing and articulating their understanding of others' emotions, which further enhances their empathetic skills. However, the early signs of empathy are most prominently evident at age 2.