How To Raise Inspired Kids: Listening & Secrets of Happy Families

Kathie Lee & Hoda: How To Raise Inspired Kids

Today’s episode was dedicated to kids that are trying to make a difference, and after siting down with some kids that are helping make a difference, Kathie Lee & Hoda wanted to get some advice on how to raise inspired kids. Bruce Feiler, author of The Secrets of Happy Families, and psychologist Michele Borboa came on the show to weigh in on how to raise passionate kids.

Michele Borboa started by saying that you need to let the kids lead you. If you allow the child some freedom and aren’t guiding them by the hand everywhere they go, you will be able to see where the child’s passion lies. New research has shown that the right parenting can lead kids to stretch themselves more and shine a little brighter.

Today Show: Listening To Your Children

The most important thing you can do when helping your kids find their passion is to tune into them. If you’re watching TV and your kid voices their displeasure or sadness about something, tune into it. You can then go and speak with a teacher about where their strengths lie. A passion becomes an obsession with a child that is talented.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can’t push them, either. Keep your expectations in check. You can’t just wake up one day and decide you’re going to raise a talented child. Research shows that we have to be cheerleaders, not iron-fisted teachers. If you can help your child pursue a passion while making it fun for them, they will make things happen.

Kathie Lee & Hoda: Tell Your Kids About Your Family

This is where Bruce Feiler chimed in. When he was doing research for his book, The Secrets of Happy Families, one of the most profound things he discovered was that, if you want to have inspired children, tell them inspiring stories about your parents. The more a child knows about the good aspects of their family, the more they believe they can control the world.

You don’t want to just tell the positive stories, though. First of all, your family’s lineage might not contain any stories of heroism. Second of all, if you tell them stories of pain, this will bring the child out of themselves and give them something they can relate to. Bruce battled cancer in his leg, and this made his children relate to children on the playground in a wheelchair. It made them more empathetic.