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 [...]

The family is the first school of virtue.  Even in our increasingly toxic culture, parents can still have the inside track in their children’s development because parents are their children’s first and most important moral teachers. That premise only applies though if parents choose to use their moral influence. Remember, children do not acquire strong [...]

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 [...]

Reports reveal new concerns to our children plugging in: Kids may be robbed from learning face-to-face interaction jeopardizing empathy, social skills, communication as well as crucial family time. Research and solutions I shared on the TODAY Show. The unique challenges of parenting plugged-in kids Our children are called the “Net Generation,” and rightly so. After [...]