How To Raise Kind Kids: And Get Respect, Gratitude, and a Happier Family in the Bargain

Founding director of the Center for the 4th and 5th R's (respect and responsibility), developmental psychologist Lickona (Educating for Character) is world renowned as an advocate for character education and advisor to Harvard University's Making Caring Common project. Using cutting-edge advances in moral development, brain research, and traditional wisdom (studies show that the earliest signs of empathy are found in babies, who cry longer and louder when they hear another child wailing), the author shares strategies for promoting kindness in an era of toxic political and entitlement culture. According to Lickona, the person we become is largely based on which "wolf" (compassion or cruelty) we feed by our choices. Lickona's approach centers on respect, fairness, and self-discipline through a parent's example and action. He also touches on topics he believes tilt society toward kindness (or malice), such as screen usage and a hypersexualized culture.