Introduction: Rediscovering Joy Through Awe

In a world where parenting anxiety seems to rise endlessly and joy feels harder to grasp, the secret to restoring happiness might lie in something timeless and profoundly human — awe.
In this week’s episode of Parenting Great Kids, I had the pleasure of speaking with Deborah Farmer Kris, a child development expert whose insights reminded me of something we all too often forget: when we nurture awe, we nurture joy — both in ourselves and in our kids.
You can listen to or watch this week’s episode here to hear our full conversation about cultivating wonder in everyday parenting.

Understanding Awe in Parenting

Awe is more than just a fleeting feeling — it’s a biological and emotional gift we’re designed to experience. It’s what makes us pause at a beautiful sunset, tear up during a moving song, or feel chills when witnessing something extraordinary.
Deborah shared that awe isn’t just uplifting — it’s healing. Studies show that when children engage with art, nature, or creativity, their stress levels (even their cortisol) can drop dramatically. This means moments of wonder can literally help calm our kids’ minds and bodies.
As parents,…