Verified by Psychology Today

Raising Kind Kids

Fostering good character in an unkind culture.

Bullying
Can We Create Kinder Schools?

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on August 16, 2024

The toll chronic bullying takes on mental health can be worse than the damage done by abusive parents, research finds. Schoolwide character education can help stem the tide.

The toll chronic bullying takes on mental health can be worse than the damage done by abusive parents, research finds. Schoolwide character education can help stem the tide.

Parenting
Don't Want "Spoiled Kids"? Give Them Real Responsibilities

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on March 1, 2024

Two-thirds of American parents feel they've spoiled their children. But we know how to avoid that outcome: Train helpfulness in family life, ideally from an early age.

Two-thirds of American parents feel they've spoiled their children. But we know how to avoid that outcome: Train helpfulness in family life, ideally from an early age.

Parenting
Parents Don’t Control the Outcome, But Still Matter a Lot

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on October 20, 2023

Many factors—including children’s own choices—shape their character and the course of their lives. But parents can maximize their impact by prioritizing kindness and respect.

Many factors—including children’s own choices—shape their character and the course of their lives. But parents can maximize their impact by prioritizing kindness and respect.

Punishment
Trouble With Discipline? Focus on Character, Not Punishment

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on September 26, 2022

Parents often struggle with discipline, especially if they're focused on punishment. We'll get better results if we use misbehavior as an opportunity to teach good character.

Parents often struggle with discipline, especially if they're focused on punishment. We'll get better results if we use misbehavior as an opportunity to teach good character.

Sex
Talking to Teens About Love and Sex

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on February 12, 2022

More teens are deciding not to have sex. We can help them develop a vision of love and sex that solidifies their decisions.

More teens are deciding not to have sex. We can help them develop a vision of love and sex that solidifies their decisions.

Parenting
8 Ways Parents Can Teach and Get Respect

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on November 11, 2021

It's impossible to parent well if our kids don't respect us. How can we model respect, require it in all family interactions, and consistently correct disrespectful behaviors?

It's impossible to parent well if our kids don't respect us. How can we model respect, require it in all family interactions, and consistently correct disrespectful behaviors?

Parenting
Can't Get Your Kids to Mind? Try the 4 E's

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on May 17, 2021

Having trouble getting kids to obey? You'll have more success if you use the 4 E's: Expect obedience, Explain your expectation, Enable the desired behavior, and Enforce the rule.

Having trouble getting kids to obey? You'll have more success if you use the 4 E's: Expect obedience, Explain your expectation, Enable the desired behavior, and Enforce the rule.

Sex
"But, Mom, We Do Love Each Other!"

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on February 12, 2021

At a parenting conference where I spoke, a mom said her 16-year-old daughter had just told her that she and her boyfriend felt ready to have sex. What could she say in response?

At a parenting conference where I spoke, a mom said her 16-year-old daughter had just told her that she and her boyfriend felt ready to have sex. What could she say in response?

Parenting
Three Common Mistakes in Parenting

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on June 24, 2019

Failing to give children family responsibilities, being a "friend" instead of an authority figure, and letting the culture raise your kids are 3 avoidable parenting errors.

Failing to give children family responsibilities, being a "friend" instead of an authority figure, and letting the culture raise your kids are 3 avoidable parenting errors.

Family Dynamics
Your Kids Being Monsters With Each Other?

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on March 25, 2019

Sibling battles are often the chief disruptor of family peace. But you can change that by teaching your kids how to solve their conflicts fairly.

Sibling battles are often the chief disruptor of family peace. But you can change that by teaching your kids how to solve their conflicts fairly.

Gratitude
Cut the Complaining!

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on November 16, 2018

Expressing thanks and curbing complaints are a key part of kindness. Take the No Complaints Challenge.

Expressing thanks and curbing complaints are a key part of kindness. Take the No Complaints Challenge.