Roots of Empathy

... this is an important book as it cogently offers us another piece to fill in the puzzle of human behaviour. It reminds us, as David Hume said, that ‘the heart has reasons reason cannot comprehend.

Winnipeg Free Press

Roots of Empathy is rife with stories of schoolyard bullies converting to supportive classmates... it is a wonderfully fluid book, with a hopeful model that constitutes a new model for child rearing...

Canadian Jewish News

... a comprehensive guide to fostering empathy and thus social responsibility among children and adults.

Quill & Quire

Can babies prevent bullying? It may sound far-fetched, but [this] program that brings infants into classrooms is making huge waves.

Halifax Daily News

Gordon's thesis, sprung from years of working both as a teacher and as the driving force behind parenting and family literacy centres, was to introduce babies into the classroom and watch them work their magic as catalysts for emotional and social learning. Damned brilliant... There's a story in the book — one of many — that took my breath away. Darren was in Grade 8, with a hideous background of horror and neglect. The young mom in Darren's Roots of Empathy class informed the group that her much-loved baby had a preference for taking an outward looking posture when snuggled in his Snugli. Darren asked if he could try the Snugli. Into the Snugli went the babe, facing Darren's chest, at peace. Darren rocked the baby, quietly for a bit, off by himself. And then he asked this question of the mother: 'If nobody has ever loved you, do you think you could still be a good father?'

Toronto Star

The premise of the program is simple: by fostering empathy in children, more respectful and caring relationships are built, bullying and aggression is reduced and the legacy of empathy is passed on to future generations... But relax, parents. There are no special lessons that must be taught. Empathy is something that develops through the magic of everyday moments. In her book, Gordon talks about the six strands of human connection, each contributing to the development of empathy.

The Standard, St. Catherines

Roots of Empathy: Changing the World Child by Child would make an excellent inclusion in teacher professional and personal libraries as well as in parenting reference libraries. Parents and teachers who share the education of children will find in the pages of this book inspiration and direction for providing students with a healthy and effective learning environment.

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