"I'm not sure you can "teach" empathy in the same way you "teach" math--give children a definition and a bunch of rules and then make them "practice" it. The most effective way to "teach" a behavior or a mindset is to model it. In other words, walk your talk. Review your day and reflect on where you have or have not modeled empathy. I agree that there are times when "taking a bat to would-abusers" might be appropriate...but there are many other times when setting boundaries by being firm, but respectful, may work equally well. There are so many different contexts in which our expression of empathy differs. Through modeling, children grasp a much broader understanding than trying to "teach" them what it means".
Source: comment on mindshift website article: