Want to Build Connections With Others? Move Beyond Judgment! Here's How! by Kelli Porcaro

Empathy is your ability to recognize and appropriately respond to others' emotions. It is a powerful tool to connect and build relationships. But often, our own prejudgment gets in the way. (Watch this video.) How can you grow in using empathy and teach your kids, too?

• Be in the moment: What do you see? What do you hear beyond the words? What emotions are you picking up on?
• Be curious: Rather than jumping to a conclusion, what else might be impacting this situation? What's beneath the surface? What is hidden? What else is going on?
• Ask questions: Create understanding for yourself and help to promote self awareness in others.

We all have feelings, and we all the right to have them. Who in your life needs a little more empathy and a little less judgment and problem-solving from you today?