The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos How to Think Like a Child (with David Yeager)
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May 26, 2025 
David Yeager, a developmental psychologist and author of '10 to 25', shares insights into understanding young people's behavior. He argues that instead of punishing children for disruptive actions, adults should explore the motivations behind these behaviors—like social status or peer connection. Yeager emphasizes the importance of empathetic communication and teaching emotional skills, advocating for autonomy and problem-solving in children. By fostering curiosity and respectful dialogue, parents can build better relationships and help kids navigate challenges effectively.
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Adolescents Aren't Incompetent
- The traditional view assumes young people lack prefrontal cortex function, making them incompetent planners and reasoners.
- This model leads to ineffective communication, causing young people to reject instructions due to tone and delivery, not content.
Adolescents Seek Status and Respect
- Young people's brains prioritize seeking status and respect, especially among peers, over simply pleasing adults.
- Recognizing this motive helps adults engage youth more effectively by aligning guidance with these priorities.
Truth Campaign's Teen Anti-Smoking Success
- The Truth Campaign countered teen smoking by portraying teens as activists fighting tobacco executives.
- This approach respected teens' autonomy and social values, reducing smoking more than fear-based ads.