Every parent’s first concern is the same: “Is my baby healthy?” This question is one that doctors usually can answer. Another big question is far more difficult: “Will my child become a good and decent human being?” Most doctors would have to admit that they just don’t know, and parents are often left wondering if [...]

EMPATHY: Identifying with and feeling other people’s concerns. Eleven-year-old Nathaniel Abraham from Pontiac, Michigan, told his friend that he was going to shoot somebody. He allegedly stole a gun and practiced his aim on stationary targets. Then he walked to a convenience store, pointed his gun at a stranger and shot Ronnie Greene Jr. in [...]

Five steps to boost children’s character and moral intelligence The teacher read Alfred’s misbehavior report and shook her head. It was his third playground citation this week and like the others it was about his derogatory, disrespectful comments. “Alfred you can’t keep saying negative things to people,” she explained. “You’ve got to start acting more [...]

Moral IQ Tip: Children are likely to be more empathic if they understand why empathy is important and how it affects others. So point out the positive impact empathy can have on others in daily experiences. One strong characteristic of morally intelligent children is that they are empathic. These kids can identify with and feel [...]

The first time I realized the power of involving kids in social justice projects was when one of my sons was just four. The two of us had gone to see the movie The Bear, and because it was rated as family oriented, I wasn’t prepared for the scene in which a bear is brutally [...]