Oooh, Child: Raising an Empath in Tumultuous Times

Being an empath isn’t just a word—it’s an experience that moves through you. You feel everything, don’t you? The weight of the world, the intensity of every conversation. And now, in the middle of an election that feels more violent, more charged, and more heartbreaking than ever, that weight feels almost too much to carry. Raising my son—my sweet, intuitive boy who feels the world as deeply as I do—I know I have to lead him by example, showing him how to hold his heart in a world that sometimes feels so dark.

Some days, I simply can’t. I can’t take one more ad, one more rally brimming with hatred. I can’t watch people say, “I love you, Lord; thank you, God,” and, with the same breath, turn to their neighbor in hate. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “carry each other’s burdens.” But sometimes, that burden needs boundaries; sometimes, the best way to love others is to protect our own peace, too.

Parenting an Empath in Turbulent Times

Raising a child who feels the world so intensely is a unique challenge. My son soaks up every word, every look, every shift in energy, and I know he’s processing it in ways that go beyond words. He’s still learning how to carry his feelings without letting them overwhelm him, and it’s my job to show him how to handle them with strength and resilience.

In Romans 12:15, we’re encouraged to “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” This captures the reality of empathy—feeling with others—but also the importance of setting healthy boundaries. When it all feels like too much, I wrap my love around him, showing him he doesn’t have to carry everything alone. I light my favorite candle, and he picks up a book, finding comfort in those small, quiet moments. These rituals remind us that peace is something we can choose, even when it feels just out of reach.

Protecting My Peace as an Empath Parent

To every empath out there and to every parent raising one, I see you. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to “be kind and compassionate.” But compassion for others must start with compassion for ourselves. We don’t have to stay in the noise and conflict all the time. Boundaries aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re a strength, helping us preserve our energy for what truly matters.

There are days when I skip the news, leave social media untouched, and choose quiet.

Taking these breaks teaches my son that it’s okay to step back, that we’re not giving up—we’re recharging. And when we gather every bit of calm and every spark of love, we’re teaching our children how to stay grounded in a world that’s anything but.

The Empath’s Quiet Power in Action

As Election Day approaches, I know I’ll show up. I’ll bring my heart and cast my vote as a prayer for a better tomorrow. I want my son to see what it means to stand for what’s right without losing yourself in the fight. Proverbs 31:8-9 encourages us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” This verse guides me as I raise him to understand that empathy isn’t only about feeling—it’s about action. But action doesn’t mean exhaustion. It means choosing where to place our energy, so we can protect our strength for the moments that matter most.

Finding Strength in Stillness

So to anyone feeling the weight of these times, know that you’re not alone. Hebrews 4:15 describes Jesus as one who “empathizes with our weaknesses,” a reminder that brings me strength when I need it most. Empathy isn’t a weakness; it’s a profound strength. It’s okay to feel deeply, to care more than words can say.

But it’s also okay to take a step back, to rest, to recharge. I’ll show up with all my quiet strength on Election Day, ready to cast my vote for a better tomorrow. Until then, I’ll keep gathering every bit of calm, every spark of love, and every ounce of hope—because our hearts, and our children’s hearts, deserve that kind of care.