Raising Kind Kids

Parenting

Why 1-on-1 Time With Your Child Matters

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on June 13, 2025

A big part of parenting is bonding with our child. Emotionally intimate time is a key way to do that. One-on-one time can help. Here are ten ways to provide it.

A big part of parenting is bonding with our child. Emotionally intimate time is a key way to do that. One-on-one time can help. Here are ten ways to provide it.

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.

Sex

New Report Finds Most Teens Watch Online Pornography

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on June 1, 2023

Unfortunately, sexually explicit content is no longer limited to pornography websites.

Unfortunately, sexually explicit content is no longer limited to pornography websites.

Relationships

Talk With Kids About Life's Biggest Questions

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on January 4, 2023

Every young person needs a sense of purpose. How can we help them develop that? Talking about life's biggest questions is a start.

Every young person needs a sense of purpose. How can we help them develop that? Talking about life's biggest questions is a start.

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?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

11 Ways to Foster the Christmas Spirit All Year Long

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on December 15, 2020

This Christmas—and for the rest of the year—help your kids experience the joy of giving.

This Christmas—and for the rest of the year—help your kids experience the joy of giving.

Parenting

4 Parenting Styles: How They Relate to a Child's Character

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on June 18, 2020

What childrearing style works best? A half-century of research confirms the hands-down winner: authoritative parenting.

What childrearing style works best? A half-century of research confirms the hands-down winner: authoritative parenting.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

13 Things to Do With Your Family During the Coronavirus

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on April 17, 2020

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy each other, strengthen relationships, and help those in need.

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy each other, strengthen relationships, and help those in need.

Relationships

The Right One for You? The True Love Character Test

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on February 13, 2020

Even one serious character problem can spell big trouble in a romantic relationship.

Even one serious character problem can spell big trouble in a romantic relationship.

Pornography

Should We Teach Kids About Porn's Harms? Yes, and Here's How

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on November 18, 2019

The sexual revolution and the Internet have made porn ubiquitous. Growing evidence documents its risks. How can we teach our young to avoid them?

The sexual revolution and the Internet have made porn ubiquitous. Growing evidence documents its risks. How can we teach our young to avoid them?

Gratitude

A Family Mission Statement: Why and How to Make One

Thomas Lickona, Ph.D. on August 16, 2019

A Family Mission Statement puts into writing the values you want to guide family life.

A Family Mission Statement puts into writing the values you want to guide family life.

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.