Angela Duckworth on the Hidden Forces Shaping Your Kid's Behavior

Is your child's behavior really about who they are — or is it about where you've put them? In this episode, Dr. Aliza Pressman sits down with Dr. Angela Duckworth, bestselling author of Grit, MacArthur "Genius" Grant winner, and University of Pennsylvania psychologist, to unpack her powerful new book, Situated. Together they explore why the "fundamental attribution error" causes so many parents to blame a child's character when the real culprit is the situation around them — and why editing that situation, from where you keep your phone to which zip code you live in, is one of the most effective child development strategies parents actually have. What you’ll learn: Why the "fundamental attribution error" makes parents misjudge their kids' behavior The "3-foot rule": how personal space and phone placement quietly drive academic performance Practical ways to build self-control in kids without relying on willpower alone How intentionally choosing a neighborhood or school shapes peer influence and character The powerful role of mentors, coaches, and teachers as "surrogate parents" Modeling behavior: what your kids are really learning by watching you 🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS: 📖 About This Episode's Guest, Dr. Angela Duckworth:https://www.angeladuckworth.com/about 📚 Dr. Duckworth's Book, Situated:https://www.angeladuckworth.com/situated 📚 Dr. Duckworth's Bestseller, Grit:https://www.angeladuckworth.com/grit Follow Raising Good Humans: 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044 Subscribe on Substack for weekly articles and exclusive LIVE Q&As: 📧 https://dralizapressman.substack.com/ This episode is brought to you by: Little Spoon: Feeding the kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Get 30% off your first online order at littlespoon.com/HUMANS with code HUMANS. Kodiak: Feel good about snack choices with Kodiak Bars. Find them at kodiakcakes.com or your local grocery store. They’re the ones with the bear on the box. BetterHelp: Better is a feeling—defined by you. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/humans. Boar’s Head: For lunchtime inspiration visit: boarshead.com/backtoschool. For Boar’s Head, head to your local deli counter. Osea: OSEA has clean, seaweed-powered skincare from the sea. Go to OSEAMalibu.com and get 10% off your first order with code HUMANS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices