Sign-In
Cart
When Understanding is Enough: Guidelines for Empathic Listening
Paperback
General ParentingGeneral SociologySelf-Help
Publisher Price: $12.95
Publisher: Dale M. Jackson
Published: Dec 1 2025
Pages: 134
Weight: 0.42
Height: 0.29 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
Friends talk to you about serious problems and they seem to expect you to do something. You have never had similar problems, and you can't think of any solutions. What do you do? You aren't a trained counselor.
There is good news. With empathy, we non-counselors can offer the kind of understanding that allows our friends to find their own answers. They need someone to understand them. We all do. And often understanding is enough, even when we can't offer solutions. Their best answers are inside them, not us. We help them look there. If more than our understanding is needed, we can support their search for whatever it is.
The definition of empathy used here was adapted from the writings of Carl Rogers. Empathy is the ability to sense and respond to another person's meanings and feelings as if they were our own, but without ever losing the as if quality. When empathic listening is done well, the people we care about feel respected, valued, understood, loved. There are nine guidelines here to help you become that kind of listener.
For example, when we hear a person's statement, we usually think of what it means for us to hear it. Instead, think about what it means for the speaker to say it. Focus on his or her meanings, not your own. The focus of the conversation remains on the other person until a new level of understanding is reached. That's a good thing. Remember, empathic listening is a skill that can be learned.
Also in
General Parenting
Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition
Grenny, Joseph
Patterson, Kerry
Switzler, Al
Paperback
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures
Fadiman, Anne
Paperback
The Adventurous Eaters Club: Mastering the Art of Family Mealtime
Collins, Vicki
Collins, Misha
Hardcover
The ADHD Workbook for Kids: Helping Children Gain Self-Confidence, Social Skills, & Self-Control
Shapiro, Lawrence E.
Paperback
Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
Hallowell
Hallowell, Edward M.
Paperback
The Danish Way of Raising Teens: What the Happiest People in the World Know about Raising Confident, Healthy Teenagers with Character
Sandahl, Iben Dissing
Paperback
Don't Mom Alone: Growing the Relationships You Need to Be the Mom You Want to Be
Macfadyen, Heather
Paperback
Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right
Glowacki, Jamie
Paperback
The Parenting Project: Build Extraordinary Relationships with Your Kids Through Daily Conversation
Schlichting, Kristine
Alamar, Amy
Paperback
Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story (Expanded Edition): A Mother's Guided Journal to Share Her Life & Her Love
Mason, Jeffrey
Paperback
Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story (Expanded Edition): A Father's Guided Journal to Share His Life & His Love
Mason, Jeffrey
Paperback
Tiny Humans, Big Emotions: How to Navigate Tantrums, Meltdowns, and Defiance to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children
Stauble, Lauren Elizabeth
Campbell, Alyssa Blask
Paperback
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
Haidt, Jonathan
Hardcover
Through Mom's Eyes: Simple Wisdom from Mothers Who Raised Extraordinary Humans
Jones, Sheinelle
Hardcover
Homeschooled: A New York Times Bestselling Memoir and Read with Jenna Pick
Merrill Block, Stefan
Hardcover
Be Your Own Bestie: A No-Nonsense Guide to Changing the Way You Treat Yourself
Brown, Misha
Hardcover
Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us about the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans
Doucleff, Michaeleen
Paperback
Dopamine Kids: A Science-Based Plan to Rewire Your Child's Brain and Take Back Your Family in the Age of Screens and Ultraprocessed Foods
Doucleff, Michaeleen
Hardcover
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
Siegel, Daniel J.
Bryson, Tina Payne
Paperback
Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America
McCarthy, Andrew
Hardcover
The Company We Keep: Friendship, Connection, and Redefining What It Means to Grow Together
Elle, Alexandra
Hardcover
The Orphaned Adult: Understanding and Coping with Grief and Change After the Death of Our Parents
Levy, Alexander
Paperback
Burn Book: Burn Book Mean Girls journal, Its full of secrets! - Blank Notebook/Journal - Mean Girls Notebook
George, Regina
Paperback
Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
Suskind, Dana, MD
Hardcover
You Are the Parent: Move from Overparenting to Balanced Parenting and Become the Leader Your Child Needs
Cohen, Siggie
Hardcover
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD: A Scientifically Proven Program for Parents
Lebowitz, Eli R.
Paperback
Capable: How to Teach Your Kids the Strengths, Skills, and Strategies to Build Resilience
Thomas, David
Goff, Sissy, Lpc-Mhsp
Hardcover
First-Time Fostering: A Practical Guide for Supporting Kids in Foster Care
Laura the Foster Parent Partner
Paperback
ABA Visualized Guidebook 2nd Edition: A visual guidebook of approachable behavior expertise
Van Diepen, Morgan
Van Diepen, Boudewijn
Paperback
Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
Guare, Richard
Guare, Colin
Dawson, Peg
Paperback
The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids' Learning--And How to Help Them Thrive Again; Updated Edition
Cooney Horvath, Jared, PhD Med
Paperback
There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent
Boozan, Glenn
Hardcover
The Baby Decision: How to Make the Most Important Decision of Your Life
Bombardieri Msw Licsw, Merle A.
Paperback
Why We Fight: A Transformative Road Map to Healing Conflict in Any Relationship
Polinder, Kim
Hardcover
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert
Silver, Nan
Gottman, John, PhD
Paperback
The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole
Schwartz, Arielle, PhD
Paperback
How to Raise an Emotionally Mature Child: Your Blueprint to a Lifetime of Happiness and Success for Your Child
Gibson, Lindsay C., PsyD
Hardcover
The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Special Eduction Services for Your Child
Siegel, Lawrence M.
Paperback
Chancla: Healing Our Families, Ourselves, and Our Culture Through Nonviolent Parenting
Priscilla, Leslie
Hardcover
Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges
Wipfler, Patty
Schore, Tosha
Paperback
The Creatures' Guide to Caring: How Animal Parents Teach Us That Humans Were Born to Care
Preston, Elizabeth
Hardcover
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Revised and Updated Second Edition
Bruner, Elaine
Engelmann, Siegfried
Haddox, Phyllis
Paperback
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Being Grandma: 101 Stories by Grandmothers & Grandchildren
Newmark, Amy
Paperback
The Birth Partner, Sixth Revised Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions
Cheyney, Melissa
Simkin, Penny
Paperback
How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7
King, Julie
Faber, Joanna
Paperback
Notice and Do: Raise Capable Kids, End Motherhood Burnout, and Lighten Your Mental Load
Kelly, Sam
Hardcover
Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids
Clarke-Fields, Hunter
Paperback
The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path
Heming Willis, Emma
Hardcover
One Bad Mother: In Praise of Psycho Housewives, Stage Parents, Momfluencers, and Other Women We Love to Hate
Dickson, Ej
Hardcover
The Kids Who Aren't Okay: The Urgent Case for Reimagining Support, Belonging, and Hope in Schools
Greene, Ross W.
Hardcover
The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-To-Be
Ash Rudick, Jennifer
Brott, Armin A.
Paperback
The Success Trap: How the Pressure to Stand Out Is Fueling Anxiety, Depression, and Burnout in Teens--And the Fundamental Fix They Deserve
Slavin, Stuart, MD Med
Hardcover
Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls
Taylor, Sonya Renee
Paperback
Mom Needs a Moment: How to Stop Your Reaction Before It Starts... and Become a Calmer, Happier, More Connected Parent
Freitas, Cassidy
Hardcover
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool
Oster, Emily
Paperback
Raising Conscious Sons: Cultivating Purpose, Connection, and Inner Power in a Chaotic World
Tsabary, Shefali
Hardcover
Good Daughtering: The Work You've Always Done, the Credit You've Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough
Alford Phd, Allison M.
Hardcover
Raising Mentally Strong Kids: How to Combine the Power of Neuroscience with Love and Logic to Grow Confident, Kind, Responsible, and Resilient Childre
Amen MD Daniel G.
Fay Phd, Charles
Hardcover
Parenting a Spicy One: A Compassionate Guide for Raising a Deep-Feeling and Wonderfully Strong-Willed Kid
Van Geffen, Mary
Hardcover
The Road Less Triggered: Turning Conflict Into Connection with a Single Choice
Flanagan, Kelly
Paperback
Parenting Anxiety: Breaking the Cycle of Worry and Raising Resilient Kids
Elkins, Meredith, PhD
Elkins, Meredith, PhD
Hardcover
Fight Right: How Successful Couples Turn Conflict Into Connection
Gottman, Julie Schwartz
Gottman, John, PhD
Hardcover
Unoffendable Bible Study Guide Plus Streaming Video: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better
Hansen, Brant
Paperback
Raising Conscious Daughters: Building Confidence, Courage, and Inner Power in an Anxious World
Tsabary, Shefali
Hardcover
Las Como Hablar para que Los Ninos Escuchen: y Como Escuchar para que los Ninos Hablen
Mazlish, Elaine
Faber, Adele
Paperback
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
Greeven, Amely
Belger, Marisa
Ou, Heng
Hardcover
Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults: A Guide for the Anxious, Uniquely Wired, and Easily Distracted
Maguire, Caroline
Hardcover
The Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation: The Secret to Finding Balance, Getting Things Done, and Enjoying Your Life
Free CCC, Jenna
Hardcover
The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family: Over 100 Practical and Tested Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Kids
Powell, Kara
Paperback
There Are Dads Way Worse Than You: Unimpeachable Evidence of Your Excellence as a Father
Boozan, Glenn
Hardcover
Unfuck Your Boundaries: Build Better Relationships Through Consent, Communication, and Expressing Your Needs
Harper, Faith G.
Paperback
But I'm Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids
Assa, Lizzie, Msed
Hardcover
The Polysecure Workbook: Healing Your Attachment and Creating Security in Loving Relationships
Fern, Jessica
Paperback
Help! I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change
Wedgeworth, Abbey
Paperback
Tiny Beautiful Things (10th Anniversary Edition): Reese's Book Club: Advice from Dear Sugar
Strayed, Cheryl
Paperback
No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
Siegel, Daniel J.
Bryson, Tina Payne
Paperback
Little Apocalypses: Essays on Motherhood, Climate Change, and Hope at the End of the World
Teer, Kaitlyn
Paperback
The Japanese Way of Parenting: And What It Taught Me about Raising (Mostly) Calm, Caring, Capable Kids
Katayama, Lisa
Paperback
The Aubreigh Wyatt Story: A mother's fight for justice, love, and lasting change
Wyatt, Heather
Paperback
Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Defiance, Meltdowns, and Anxiety to Raise Confident, Connected Kids
Campbell, Alyssa Blask
Lounder, Rachel Stuart
Hardcover
Therapy Nation: How America Got Hooked on Therapy and Why It's Left Us More Anxious and Divided
Alpert, Jonathan
Hardcover
Talk to Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Tweens and Teens Grow Into Confident, Caring Young Men
Pepper, Christopher
Schroeder, Joanna
Hardcover
I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
Guzmán, Mónica
Paperback
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers
Kleiman, Karen
Hardcover
Let Them Be Kids: Adventure, Boredom, Innocence, and Other Gifts Children Need
Smartt, Jessica
Paperback
The Parent's Guide to Divorce: How to Protect Your Child's Mental and Emotional Health Through a Breakup or Separation
Komisar, Erica
Paperback
Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 8th Edition: Birth to Age 5
American Academy of Pediatrics
Paperback
A Book About My Daddy: Fill In The Blank Book With Prompts For Kids to Fill with their Own Words, Drawings and Pictures - Personalized Gifts
Creations, Eightyeight
Paperback
Doing Life with Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out
Burns Ph. D., Jim
Paperback
Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through
Sinise, Gary
Hardcover
Bottle Service: Education and Encouragement for Guilt-Free and Successful Formula Feeding
Whitmore, Mallory
Paperback
Fit Baby, Smart Baby, Your Baby!: From Birth to Age Six
Doman, Glenn
Doman, Douglas
Hagy, Bruce
Paperback
The Montessori Kitchen: A Parent's Guide to Nurturing Your Child's Curiosity, Confidence, and Connection to Food
Uzodike, Junnifa
Miglore, Kristen
Hardcover