REALITY CHECK: Empathy is the moral virtue that helps children “identify with and feel other people’s concerns.” When they do, they are more likely to reach out and respond in more caring, compassionate ways to others. Unlike genetics or appearance or most temperaments, empathy can be cultivated, and research shows that our infants are already [...]

Being fair and kind can be cultivated in our children. I’m in Cincinnati at the invitation of the Summit Day Country School to speak with teachers and parents about how to raise goodness in our children. This week I had spoke with Krista Ramsey, education reporter for Cincinnati News.com. Here is her report published in [...]

Is social networking connected with the rise of teen narcissism? Yesterday I posted “The Teen Arrogance Cure” but today I want to dig deeper into troubling research reports that show a rise in teen narcissism and a decrease in their empathy. Here is my report I gave on the TODAY show and the facts that [...]

Acclaimed author Trudy Ludwig‘s new and sensitive book, Better than You, will prove a welcome resource for any parent, teacher, or counselor. It is also the perfect antidote for the troubling trend of kid arrogance. Jake’s story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a “better [...]

Why diminishment of kid empathy should be our biggest concern. The ratings, the research, the solutions, and how to gear up and parent the Controller Generation. “Can’t I just play one more hour?” “But there’s nottttthhhhthinnnng else to do!” “Chill out, Mom. The game is not that violent.” There’s no doubt that video games are [...]