Behaviors Quote by Daniel J. Siegel
““the behaviors and skills we want and expect our kids to demonstrate, like sound decision making, control of their emotions and bodies, empathy, self-understanding, and morality—are dependent on a part of their brain that hasn’t fully developed yet.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson, 2011
Children’s higher‑order abilities such as empathy, self‑control, and moral reasoning rely on brain regions that mature later in development.
In simple terms: Kids’ empathy and self‑control develop later.
Key Takeaway
Support brain growth with age‑appropriate guidance.
Themes
development
empathy
self‑control
morality
neuroscience
Mood
reflective
empathetic
informative
Type
educational
psychological
parenting
When to use this quote
- parenting
- education
- therapy
- school curricula
Key Concepts
prefrontal cortex maturation
executive function
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can adults scaffold decision‑making for younger children?
- What environments best nurture early moral development?
A Different Perspective
Children may still act impulsively despite guidance.
