What if the secret to resilience wasn’t grit, but awe? In a world of chronic conditions and everyday stress, how can families harness wonder and connection as anchors for strength and healing?

In this heartwarming and deeply insightful conversation, host Kai M Sorensen sits down with Deborah Farmer Kris—a nationally recognized parenting expert, educator, and author of Raising Awe-Seekers. Together, they explore the powerful role of awe, emotional literacy, and radical curiosity in supporting children and caregivers navigating life with rare and chronic conditions like Hemophilia B. From practical strategies to moving personal reflections, this episode is an invitation to reconnect with what lights us up—especially when life feels heavy.

What You’ll Learn:

Why awe is a “superfood emotion” that reduces stress and fosters resilienceHow to recognize awe in everyday life—even in the middle of chaosWhat research says about the link between awe, curiosity, and learningThe role of storytelling and emotional vocabulary in child developmentHow community and collective moments create “belonging-based awe”Why presence—not perfection—is the foundation of effective parenting

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Welcome + Deborah’s background as educator and writer[02:37] Why there’s no one-size-fits-all parenting strategy[03:56] What makes a child resilient, according to Harvard research[05:47] What is awe—and why don’t we talk about it more?[08:33] Awe vs. gratitude: why one is instinctive and the other cognitive[10:36] How awe sparks curiosity and boosts memory[12:57] Using awe and music as emotional tools during hard times[16:11] Collective awe, kindness, and the power of community[18:28] Awe doesn’t require travel—just radical curiosity[19:45] Why Deborah has hope for the future: “The kids are all right.”

Meet the Guest:

Deborah Farmer Kris is a parenting columnist, educator, speaker, and the author of Raising Awe-Seekers. Her work has been featured by PBS Kids, The Washington Post, and CNN, where she translates complex child development science into clear, compassionate wisdom. She is also the founder of Parenthood365, a platform dedicated to helping families thrive through emotional intelligence, connection, and wonder.

6. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned

The “Superfood Emotion” model of aweResearch from the Center on the Developing Child at HarvardRadical Curiosity as a parenting lensCollective Effervescence (community-based awe)Emotional vocabulary-building for kids

Closing Insight & CTA:

“Awe doesn’t make everything better. But it reminds us that life is bigger than the stress we’re carrying. It’s not about ignoring the hard—it’s about holding the beauty alongside it.”

Feeling inspired? Listen now and explore how you can bring more awe into your life—one curious moment at a time.

Resource & Links:

Deborah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahkris/Raising Awe Seekers Book: https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com/products/raising-awe-seekers-how-the-science-of-wonder-helps-our-kids-thrive-153673Parenthood365 Website: https://www.parenthood365.com/Deborah on PBS Parents: https://www.pbs.org/parents/authors/deborah-farmer-krisWashington Post Article on Awe: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/children-awe-emotion/2021/11/29/0f78a4b0-4c8e-11ec-b0b0-766bbbe79347_story.htmlCNN Feature: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/27/health/teens-awe-deborah-farmer-kris-wellnessThe Coalition for Hemophilia B: https://www.hemob.org/Balancing Life’s Issues: https://balancinglifesissues.com/podcast-bli/Boundless B Podcast Page: https://pod.link/1765188875