What Children Are Really Telling Us: Psychology, Behavior, and Human Development

What if children’s behavior is communication—not something to fix, but something to understand?
In this episode of Educating the Human Potential, Biff and Nicole are joined by Dr. Nick Mian, a developmental psychologist whose work bridges mental health, child development, and education.

Together, they explore how psychology can deepen our understanding of children’s emotional lives and learning experiences.

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

• How child development shapes behavior, emotions, and learning
• Why mental health must be viewed through a developmental lens
• What educators and parents often misunderstand about children’s behavior
• The importance of observation, connection, and environment
• How adults can better support children’s emotional well-being

Grounded, thoughtful, and deeply human, this episode invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and rethink what children truly need to thrive. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional working with children, this conversation offers insight, clarity, and compassion you won’t want to miss.

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Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society.

For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/

And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach:
https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood

Contact us: [e-mail]