How to Become a Better Human: Lessons on Kindness, Love, and Happiness (From a 10-Year-Old)

In today’s episode, you’ll reframe your perspective on happiness, kindness, and friendship through a fresh lens—all thanks to a surprising source: Mel’s 10-year-old guest, Elton.

Mel is sitting down with this wise beyond his years kid for an impactful, profound conversation that will challenge you (and encourage you!) to be a better human. Elton’s simple but profound insights on everything from friendships and feelings to screen time and self-kindness are exactly what you need—no matter your age.

Forget the idea that wisdom only comes with age. This episode is an invitation to embrace the wisdom and curiosity of those younger than you. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the most unexpected voices.

This episode is your call to get curious and excited about life again. This is the kind of advice that everyone —no matter your age—needs to hear, and you’ll leave this episode feeling empowered to be a kinder, more intentional friend, parent, sibling, and person.

You’ll also rethink how much time you spend on your phone, feel encouraged to reconnect with what brings you joy, and learn how to be gentler with yourself.

This is also a great episode to share with your kids or with anyone who is a parent.

If you liked this fun and relatable episode, listen to this one next, about Mel’s recent hiking trip with her family and the lessons she learned through that experience: 7 Lessons To Learn Once That Will Improve Your Life Forever‍

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• Disclaimer

‍In this episode:

• 3:36: Meet Mel’s 10-year-old guest who’s wise beyond his years.  
• 5:39: The power of compliments, how small words lead to big rewards.
• 6:30: Why kindness is the key to a meaningful life.
• 9:28: What 'safe keeps' are and how they can help you overcome sadness.
• 13:01: What the research (and Elton) say about phones and their surprising impact.
• 15:19: How therapy helped Elton release bottled-up emotions, and why it can do the same for you.
• 26:30: Elton’s personal experience with dysgraphia and dyslexia and how it shaped him.
• 31:48: The trick to reprogram your mind and ease up on yourself.
• 35:00: Why truthfulness creates a space for you to grow.
• 35:34: How to embrace life’s ups and downs and let go of what you cannot control.
• 40:25: Unfairness is inevitable; how you handle it determines everything.
• 42:14: The perspective shift you need that fuels dedication and commitment to what you love.
• 50:38: The biggest childhood secret you’ve forgotten.
• 52:47: Common mistakes parents make with their kids and how to avoid them.
• 54:18: A simple technique to stop gossiping in its tracks.
• 56:31: Stuck in a rut? This advice will get you moving.
• 58:07: How simple acts of kindness can change everything.

Resources:

• National Library of Medicine: Disorder of written expression and dysgraphia: definition, diagnosis, and management
• Kids Health: Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• National Institute of Health:  Impact of mobile phones and wireless devices use on children and adolescents’ mental health
• Boston Children's Hospital: What are learning disorders and disabilities?
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: What are some signs of learning disabilities?
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Therapy to Improve Children’s Mental Health
• Mental Health Foundation: Kindness Matters guide
• American Psychiatric Foundation: The Mental Health Benefits of Simple Acts of Kindness
• Forbes:  6 Ways To Build A Network With Shared Interests
• Harvard Health: The Heart And Science Of Kindness
• New York Times: One Thing Parents Can Control
• Forbes: How to get yourself out of a rut  
• American Psychological Association: Understanding psychotherapy and why it works
• Pepperdine University: Technology’s effects on our brain and bodies ‍
• National Institutes of Health: Brain health consequences of digital technology use