We often discuss what it takes to raise kind, generous, ambitious, resilient, wonderful kids who will become kind, generous, ambitious, resilient, wonderful adults. Which is why we wanted to bring back one of our favorite interviews — parenting and science journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer, author of the popular book How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes.
Don’t fear the title! Did I mention Melinda is a scientist?
In the book, she examines the science of character and research about brains, biology and growth to share her insights for parents, like how to deal with selfishness, how to teach kindness, what the research says about raising anti-racist kids (it may surprise you!), and the parenting strategies and styles you can apply right now in your own home.
Listen right now — though, keep in mind we say “asshole” a couple of times, so earmuffs for little kids if that’s a concern. And make sure you’re a Spawned podcast subscriber so that you never miss an episode.
Melinda’s is one of our new favorite absolute must-read parenting books — to go with one of my new favorite parenting substack newsletters that you can subscribe to — and when you listen to this interview, you will hear why.
Our wonderful sponsor: Camp Tuku
If you have a child aged 6-14, Camp Tuku is where “nature meets joyful minds.” This exceptionally beautiful sleep away camp rests in 1,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the Catskill Mountains of New York, surrounded by stunning lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails.
Camp Tuku’s activities are designed to engage the whole child — mind, body, and heart. That means their weeklong session will be packed with aquatics and boating, archery, hiking, crafts, drama, team building, innovations and STEAM activities, and more — while a focus on mindfulness also incorporates mindfulness practices to help kids develop resilience, empathy, focus, gratitude, confidence, and resourcefulness.
At the end of the day, they get to settle down in beautifully modern bunks, with children their age from all over the country, some of whom may turn out to be friends for life.
Learn more about Camp Tuku in Hugenot, New York through this link. And sign them up for a one-week session today!
Receive a $50.00 discount on your child’s registration for Camp Tuku NY or AZ. Expires March 31, 2023. Use code: cmp23uutk
Cool Picks of the Week:
Melinda: The Thursday Murder Club! If you’re a mystery fan, you’ll love this. Melinda describes it as charming and delightful! She also recommends Adam Grant’s book Give and Take.
Liz: Camp counselors! They were amazing this summer after Covid, giving our kids the best time of their lives. Make sure to show them some love if you’ve got kids heading off to camp this year like she does.
Kristen: Tattoo Redo on Netflix. It’s a hilarious, silly show that’s a salve to all the stress of parenting.
This post contains affiliate links that help support our team, so thank you!
Top image: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
