Raising Awe-Seekers, the first parenting book by author Deborah Farmer Kris, outlines a transformative approach to parenting based on joy, wonder, and curiosity.

Science, Deb says, shown that awe isn’t just a feel-good experience—it also helps kids develop resilience, strengthen relationships, and manage stress. But in a world filled with distractions and negativity, how do we nurture awe in everyday life?

Educator and author Deborah Farmer Kris joins Jen & Janet to discuss insights from her new book, Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive. She explains why awe is essential for children’s emotional well-being and how simple, daily moments—like watching a sunset, listening to music, or witnessing an act of kindness—can shape a child’s perspective and growth.

“Awe helps kids zoom out,” Deborah says. “It reminds them they’re part of something bigger.” And here’s the best part: You don’t need to take your kid on an epic adventure to cultivate awe—you just need to pay attention.

Takeaways:

Awe can motivate positive action and change.
Awe can reduce stress and improve mental health.
Collective experiences of awe foster community and belonging.
Curiosity is closely linked to experiencing awe.
Fostering curiosity in children enhances their learning capabilities. Five minutes a day with your child is protective.
Attention restoration theory helps improve focus and learning.
The single most common source of awe is goodness.
Awe and wonder can transform parenting.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

Raising Awe-Seekers: How The Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive, by Deborah Farmer Kris

Raising Awe-Seekers — Deborah’s Substack newsletter

Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness, by Jamil Zaki

Deborah Farmer Discusses Emotional Literacy (& Awe!) — ON BOYS episode

Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males

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