Nurturing Compassionate Connections: A Guide to Practitioner Empathy in the Early Years

by Angela Hodgkins

Overview

In a profession where empathy and compassion form the bedrock of impactful interactions, yet remain relatively unexplored, this book endeavours to be a beacon of inspiration and guidance.

The book explores what compassionate relationships might look like and translates extensive research into actionable steps that practitioners can easily integrate into their routines. Chapters:

• Include guidance for fostering effective, empathetic relationships with colleagues and young children, as well as extending empathy to parents and carers
• Offer suggestions for supporting and promoting positive behaviour, with guidance on embracing empathy in challenging situations
• Prioritise practitioner wellbeing and include real-life case studies of nurturing connections, recognising both the demands and satisfaction of the profession
• Are full of reflective prompts and activities to reshape the narrative of early years practice and equip practitioners to navigate challenges with resilience.

Nurturing Compassionate Connections advocates a strengths-based approach and aspires to redefine the landscape of compassionate practice, enriching the journey of those who care for young children. It is essential reading for all early years practitioners and allied professionals.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032735368
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/21/2025
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

About the Author

Angela Hodgkins is Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families at the University of Worcester. She has had a varied 20-year career in early years, working across both special and mainstream settings, as well as advising on early years inclusion. Angela has recently completed a PhD in investigating the practice of empathy in the early years profession.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements x

1 Introducing the philosophical foundations of this book 1

2 Understanding empathy and compassion 16

3 Building empathic relationships with young children 34

4 Extending empathy and compassion to parents, carers, and families 50

5 Fostering empathic and supportive teams 68

6 Supporting and promoting positive behaviour 86

7 Embracing empathy and compassion in challenging situations 102

8 Developing and enhancing empathy skills 121

9 Understanding and managing empathic distress 139

10 Experiencing satisfaction through positive empathy and compassion 158

11 Guided reflections and future directions 175

Index 187