Raising Boys & Girls Episode 339: Five Things Kids Need Right Now Socially with David and Sissy
Jan 8, 2026
In a thought-provoking discussion, experts highlight the essential social skills kids require today, including civility, empathy, and the art of reciprocity. They delve into the impact of screens and cultural influences on children's relationships. Practical suggestions emerge, like modeling respectful disagreement and creating face-to-face interactions. The conversation emphasizes building connections, combating loneliness, and nurturing deep friendships at home. Listeners are inspired to implement small, intentional changes that can significantly improve their children's social experiences.
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Civility Is Learned Not Inherited
- Kids grow up hearing opinions more than seeing kindness, so civility is eroding in youth interactions.
- Modeling respectful disagreement and replacing contemptuous phrases builds relational maturity.
Do A Family Civility Reset
- Do a family civility reset by banning contemptuous phrases and teaching replacements like "tell me more."
- Model kind disagreement and praise civil responses when you see them.
Empathy Is A Learnable Skill
- Empathy is a skill set, not an innate trait, and screens reduce kids' exposure to practice.
- Kids now often scroll past pain instead of sitting with others in it, weakening perspective-taking.
