Empathy is not something we "have or don't have" by a certain age. Empathy is somewhat of a work in progress - certainly through childhood and adolescence, but oftentimes even into adulthood. Most people are born with the capacity for empathy, but it is something that needs to be experienced, taught, practiced, and cultivated. Listen to this week's podcast where I discuss empathy using Michelle Borba's book Unselfie. It's a good podcast and a better book.
UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World