
Being a parent is one of the most meaningful things you can do with your life, and one of the easiest things to worry about getting wrong. Most of us ultimately want the same things for our children: for them to grow up to be good people and have a good life. But how much influence do parents actually have over those outcomes?In this episode of Office Hours, I explore what the research can teach us about raising happy, well-adjusted kids, including how much of our children’s personalities are inherited, where we as parents really can make a difference, and why what we model often matters more than what we say. —Brought to you by:• Noble Mobile—With Noble, there is only one plan: The No-Bull Plan. It’s simple. It’s transparent. And if you use less data, you get cash back. Get an exclusive offer at https://noblemobile.com/arthurbrooks• LMNT—A science-backed electrolyte drink mix that helps you feel and perform your best, without sugar, artificial ingredients, or gimmicks. Get a free sample pack at DrinkLMNT.com/Arthur—Where to find Arthur Brooks: • Website: https://arthurbrooks.com/• In-person Retreats: https://retreats.arthurbrooks.com/ • Newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • X: https://x.com/arthurbrooks• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurBrooks/• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGuyFRjJQFGCKzfHTBvWM6A• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-c-brooks/• Email: officehours@arthurbrooks.com—Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(05:04) What most parents want for their kids (09:29) What the research has revealed about nature vs. nurture (17:00) How parenting impacts personality (29:12) Parenting principle #1: Even a hot mess can be a great parent(32:52) Parenting principle #2: Be warm and loving (34:29) Parenting principle #3: Be an actor (38:42) Q&A: Overcoming bad habits learned from your parents(40:50) Q&A: How to support a child with a toxic partner (42:49) Q&A: Teaching children the discipline of happiness—Referenced: • The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-of-your-life • Meaning Membership: https://hub.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-membership • Arthur’s newsletter: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/newsletter • The Happiness Scale: https://learn.arthurbrooks.com/the-happiness-scale • The Pursuit of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: https://www.thefp.com/s/the-pursuit-of-happiness-with-arthur• Parenting in America Today: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/01/24/parenting-in-america-today• OCEAN: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1635039/ • Heritability of the big five persona
Podzilla Summary coming soon
Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

5 Ways to Kill Your Envy and Get Happier

What Is the Happiest Personality? (It Actually Might Be Yours)

5 Ways to Find Your Faith

Success Secret: Finding People Who Disagree With You
Free AI-powered recaps of Office Hours with Arthur Brooks and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.