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Learning

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?

It's up to Us to Turn the Tide of Entitled Kids

Kids become entitled when they've been given everything with little asked in return. Teach them that you don’t get ahead by being served, but by serving.

How I Bumbled Through the First Months of Fatherhood

My first emotions were fear, joy, terror, wonder, shock, excitement and panic when first I learned I was going to be a father.

9 Caddyshack Quotes I Use Everyday as a Dad

Parenting is such a roller coaster ride. There are times when we need to be serious, times when I need to teach my boys, and a time to laugh.

4 Lessons My Incorrigible Dog Taught Me About Parenting

What I learned from Diego, a willful Rhodesian ridgeback mix, laid the foundation for my next 12 years of parenting.

The Bad Handwriting Is On the Wall    

Some people call me Visa or Lira or Lina. My name isn't difficult to pronounce; my handwriting is impossible to read.

5 (Possibly Useless) Tips for Moms Returning to (Paid) Work

The kids have to do the laundry now. Be prepared for this to be a complete disaster because you forgot to teach the kids how to do the laundry.

Your Busy Schedule May Help Keep Your Memory Sharp as You Age

All that hustling may translate into superior brain power as you get older, as a study finds that the busiest people perform best on cognitive tests.

Burden of Student Loans Linked to Lower Net Worth After College

People who had outstanding balances on their student loans when they graduated or dropped out of college had lower net worth, fewer financial and non-financial assets, and homes with lower market v...

Do We Need a Community in Order to Truly Feel Joy?

Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.

Watch the "What's Your Watermark" Video

The "What’s Your Watermark?" film is inspired by a desire to educate people about water issues, and to challenge them to make positive change.