I have always had faith that people are essentially good. Yes, a few are born psychopaths, but, in general, people are trustworthy and lovable.

Today the New York Times has an article in which biologists find that children are naturally sociable and helpful.

Parents can capitalize on that natural tendency by communicating with childen the effect their actions have on others and by emphasizing the logic of social cooperation to the benefit of everyone. No "gotcha" original sin required, no judgmental punishing Jehovah, no all-saving Jesus. No guilt- and shame-based punishments.

Children are altruistic by nature and adults all harbor that child within them. The trick is, sometimes, to tap into that inner child.

Others of us wear our inner child on our sleeve.