Conversations

Minimalism is the Desire for Less to Enjoy More

Experiences are better than things. A simpler lifestyle provides freedom to enjoy family, give generously, and spend on travelling and memory making.

Lower Incidence of Diabetes and Obesity in Walkable Neighborhoods

"Walking, cycling and public transit rates were much higher in walkable neighborhoods, and that leads to better health outcomes.”

5 Best (and Weirdest) Car Games I Ever Made Up

The following games were made up on the spot – usually to interrupt yet another argument in the back seat over whose stuff is on the wrong side.

Playing Chess in School Helps Ferguson Kids Heal, Hope, Excel

A chess club in Ferguson is making a difference, helping kids improve their confidence. And 85% look forward to school more on chess club days.

10 Science-Backed Benefits of Practicing Gratitude With Kids

When people engage in gratitude, they experience measurable psychological and physical benefits. Don’t you want to give this gift to your children?

I Didn't Let My Kids Snack for a Week. Here's What Happened

My children have less meltdowns because they are better nourished. And I have fewer meltdowns because there are fewer demands on me.

"Parent Hacks" Author Asha Dornfest: "Sometimes you just have to do what works in the moment."

Why parents need hacks, and how it's helpful to understand that there's freedom to be gained from structure – "very flexible structure."

How to Beat Death, According to 75 Years of Harvard Research

Want to live forever? Science hasn't quite cracked that one yet, but a group of Harvard researchers has figured out how to give you the best possible shot.

Support From Family and Friends Helps Prevent Depression in Teenagers

The importance of friendships and family support in helping prevent depression among teenagers has been highlighted in research from the University of Cambridge.

Research Says Students Are More Successful if They Take Off Their Shoes

Schoolchildren who attend their lessons wearing no shoes are likely to obtain better grades and behave better than those who wear them.

Teaching Mindfulness in School Could Help the Most Vulnerable Students

For kids who have suffered from prolonged stress or trauma, mindfulness seems to offer a way of short-circuiting the fight-or-flight response

My Son Listened To A Book, Not Me. And That's OK

I long ago accepted that it takes a village to raise a child. Today, I recognize that books are influential members of this community as well.

6 Awesome Podcasts To Enjoy While You're Cooking Dinner

When I'm dying for a break, I gather my ingredients, make myself a drink (coffee or wine), and catch up on podcasts while I chop and sauté. It's lovely.

My Heart Sprouted Legs And Started To Run

My heart is running in an open field spotted with dandelions. His arms and legs are pumping, and his smile stretches across his entire face.

Super Moms Are Ruining My Life

I was feeling inadequate because my parenting skills aren't up to the perfect Pinterest standard. But my kids are safe, they have fun, and they are loved.

Here's Why the Massachusetts Public School System is Widely Regarded as the Best

The Bay State’s famous successes are juxtaposed with stubborn achievement gaps and concentrations of poverty that have made across-the-board strides all but impossible.

Sweden's Universal Child Benefit Substantially Reduces Childhood Poverty

The best rationale for universal child benefits is that they substantially reduce child poverty.

Maybe Breakfast Isn't the Most Important Meal After All

If you’re hungry, eat it. But don’t feel bad if you’d rather skip it, and don’t listen to those who lecture you. Breakfast has no mystical powers.

1.4 Million American Children Serve as Caregivers for Siblings or Elders, How Do We Support Them?

As many as 1.4 million American children from ages 8 to 18 care for a parent, grandparent or sibling with a disability or illness.

The Importance of Libraries in Our Digital World

Brick and mortar libraries are more relevant and essential than ever to our communities, even in our fast-paced, digital world.

It’s My Job to Say No

I want to be your friend, but you have many friends and only one mother and one father. I'm sure you will love us no matter how many times we say no.

The First Hurt

As a mother, unfortunately I can't be everywhere always and my arms only reach so far.

I Let My Kids Play with Knives

When did we become so preoccupied with safety that we forgot to let our kids live in the real world? Or are we simply focused on the perception of safety?