Parenting isn’t just about raising smart kids;it’s about raising whole humans. In this episode, listeners explore how mindful parenting practices can strengthen a child’s emotional and social growth just as much as cognitive development.
Meet Dona Matthews
Dona Matthews is a seasoned developmental psychologist with decades of experience working with families, educators, and institutions. Her work has spanned private practice, academic leadership, and literary contributions to gifted education and child development.
She has served as the Executive Director of the Millennium Dialogue for Early Child Development at the University of Toronto and as the founding director of the Hunter College Center for Gifted Education and Development in New York.
Dona has co-authored and edited numerous books including Being Smart about Gifted Learning, Beyond Intelligence, and her latest work, Imperfect Parenting: How to Build a Relationship with Your Child to Weather Any Storm. Through her work, she continues to inspire a shift toward relationship-based parenting that values empathy, patience, and holistic development.
About the episode
This episode centers around the vital role of social intelligence in a child’s development. Dona defines social intelligence as the ability to form meaningful relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate social environments with empathy and self-awareness. She unpacks the components of this intelligence, from patience and listening to conflict resolution and cooperation.
Dona challenges traditional perceptions of giftedness, emphasizing that high academic performance doesn’t necessarily translate into emotional intelligence. Each child, she explains, has a unique developmental path.
She offers insightful advice on how parents can gently support social growth without overpraising or pushing too hard—especially when dealing with socially anxious or introverted children.
Listeners are encouraged to nurture these skills through play, both structured and spontaneous, and to recognize the value of each child’s individuality. Dona shares heartfelt stories, personal experiences with her grandchildren, and practical strategies for promoting healthy emotional development.
She also speaks on the importance of praise rooted in effort and curiosity rather than innate traits like intelligence or beauty. According to her, this helps children develop a growth mindset and self-worth that isn’t reliant on external validation.
In conclusion
Dona Matthews offers an inspiring and research-backed perspective on parenting that extends beyond academics. Her insights make a compelling case for fostering social intelligence through empathy, observation, and responsive parenting.
Whether you’re a new parent or guiding teens through emotional growth, this episode is a reminder that relationships are the foundation for raising resilient, capable kids.
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