Shame Freezes Growth, Curiosity Heals It – Parenting Psychology

Shame stops a child’s curiosity in its tracks.
It floods the brain’s learning centers with fear and self-doubt.
When parents replace judgment with gentle curiosity, the child’s mind reopens — ready once again to explore, connect, and grow.

Psychologists note that shame activates the amygdala and shuts down prefrontal reasoning. Encouragement restores curiosity, creativity, and resilience.