A Dad’s Experience at the Babies Funland: How It Teaches Kids Empathy in Denmark In Denmark, at the Babies Funland, children are taught an important lesson: empathy! Witnessing this firsthand, a dad recalls his experience at this wonderful place where kids learn the power of understanding and caring for others.

The other day, I read an interesting article online that got me thinking. It discussed empathy classes in Denmark’s schools called “Klassens tid” where kids aged 6 to 16 years spend an hour each week. In these classes, students discuss their problems and the class works together to find solutions. These classes are considered just as important as math or English lessons.

Before going further, let’s understand what empathy means. According to a monk and author named Om Swami, empathy is the ability to understand how someone else feels, while sympathy is feeling sorry for them.

In Denmark, schools have a unique approach to education. They don’t focus on competition and encourage students to be the best versions of themselves. There are no prizes or trophies for academic or sports achievements. Instead, the emphasis is on self-improvement.

Collaborative learning is also encouraged in Danish schools. Students with different strengths and weaknesses are brought together to help each other in various subjects. This helps them learn that success cannot be achieved alone.

Additionally, Denmark has an anti-bullying program that teaches young children to talk about bullying and care for each other.

Now, let’s compare the situation in India. Unlike Denmark, competition plays a significant role in Indian society. Schools focus on milestones and comparing students to each other. Students are constantly striving to be ahead in the so-called “rodent race.” Coaching classes for nursery admissions and entrance exams have become common in India.

When it comes to empathy, I am reminded of an incident involving my cousin’s wife. She asked me for suggestions on where to perform a ceremony for her father’s death anniversary. Instead of suggesting a temple, I recommended an orphanage for special kids. We organized a feast for them, and my children joined in serving and eating with the kids. We had a memorable experience and since then, we observe my dad’s death anniversary in places like orphanages.

Overall, Denmark’s approach to empathy, collaboration, and self-improvement in education is worth considering in India, where competition often takes the forefront.