Join Michael as he explores the importance of empathy and seeing things from the perspective of others. He emphasises how mastering this skill can greatly improve relationships and create harmony in the world. The episode delves into the significance of empathy in parenting, highlighting the detrimental effects of neglecting a child's wishes and feelings. The episode also discusses the role of professionals in understanding and advocating for children's needs, emphasising the importance of assessing what is in the child's best interest in the long term. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Developing empathy and the ability to see things from another person's perspective is crucial for building positive relationships.

• Failure to consider another person's point of view often leads to conflicts and misunderstandings.

• It is important for parents to empathise with their children's needs, wishes, and feelings to promote their self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

• Neglecting a child's desires and feelings can result in them feeling unimportant and can have a negative impact on their mental health.

• Professionals working with children, such as in court cases, need to prioritise the child's needs and perspective when making assessments and recommendations.

BEST MOMENTS

"One of the key skills you have to master in any relationship is the ability to see things through the eyes of other people." 

"If nations could view their actions and inaction in the eyes of other nations they are in some type of conflict with, and were committed to righting any past or current wrongdoings, there would be far more harmony in the world and the world would be a safer, more peaceful place to live in."

"Feeling and knowing that parents or caregivers are well tuned in to your child's feelings and desires allows children to feel emotionally held, seen, heard, acknowledged, significant and valued." 

"Children are highly sensitive to their parents' behaviour and actions, and often assume far greater responsibility for a parent's actions than is proportionate with their real level of influence." 

"Your ability to be sensitive to the child's various needs, having the insight concerning how the child is affected by their circumstances, whilst holding an overview of the environment and parenting they require to secure their health and development and long-term needs is crucial to display in both your assessment and the evidence you present in the witness box." 

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HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.