Cynthia Breazeal: Expert Q&A -- NOVA PBS

Q: How has having children yourself changed your perspective on your work, and in particular, has it made you think about ways in which your work might benefit ill children in the future? My work has always been strongly inspired by the cognitive and social development of children and the crucial role that social interaction plays in that process. I wouldn't say that having children has changed my perspective as much as broadened it and made my research and its application much more personal. My parents always told me that you can't appreciate what it's like to be a parent until you are one--and then you're one for life. Having children of your own, nurturing them, experiencing the joy of seeing them learn and grow--well, it adds depth and meaning to everything.