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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