Melinda Wenner Moyer, a science writer, recently wrote How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes. The book’s goal is to help parents raise children that are kind, honest, and generous.

Moyer bases her book on scientific research

While there are many parenting books, some of them offer conflicting advice to parents. Moreover, many writers often base these books on anecdotal experiences instead of scientific evidence. Moyer’s book stands out as it gives parents science-derived tips for how to parent. It also steers clear from making judgments and burdening parents.

One of the most common questions parents have is how to raise kind and generous children. In her research, Moyer discovered that parents could achieve this by talking to their children about feelings. Talking about feelings helps children understand and deal with their emotions and, in turn, those of others.

Moyer derives the method from the theory of mind, a social-cognitive skill that teaches someone to put themselves in another person’s shoes. As a result, it helps people understand other people’s beliefs and thoughts even if they differ from their own.

How to teach children not to be racist

Racism could look different depending on the place. It could take the form of hatred, discrimination, and prejudice towards people of a particular nationality, ethnicity, or color.

While many parents think avoiding the topic will make their children unlikely to be racist, Moyer disagrees. She points out that children note the differences in races within their community from an early age. They try to make sense of the social categories they see concerning race and might decide that things are the way they are because one race is better than another.

Moyer emphasizes that parents should correct these misconceptions as their children develop them. These conversations might be difficult for parents to have but are essential in preventing racism.

Moyer also warns parents about the pressure they put on their children to be successful, teaching children not to become bullies and how parents can positively influence their children. The book comes at an essential time as hate crimes among teens and children rise, and social media hurts their behavior.