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