Last December, I found myself standing outside my car on a quiet street in West Baltimore, clutching a “Thinking of you” card. Alongside the elation and relief that typically accompanies the holiday season for teachers, I carried a heavy burden for one student. This student had been incredibly quiet during virtual classes, and when I …
The inclination to prohibit books in schools appears to stem from adults wanting to shield children from content that they deem distressing or offensive. Unfortunately, these adults often fail to recognize the educational and artistic value of the books, focusing only on harsh language or gruesome imagery. They fail to understand that such elements can …
In a landmark climate trial in Helena, Montana, sixteen young people aged 5 to 22 argue that the state’s embrace of fossil fuels is destroying their future. They claim that the state’s actions violate its own constitution, which has mandated since 1972 that a clean and healthful environment be maintained and improved for present and …
Many of the first-grade survivors of the tragic Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have now reached their sophomore year at my son’s high school. My son, a freshman, plays on a soccer team with some of them. While they focus on improving their short passes and one-touch shots during practice, it’s evident that they have …
The American summer vacation is a beloved tradition, filled with outdoor activities like playground visits, swimming in the local pool, and camp sing-alongs. However, as climate change continues to raise temperatures, many of these cherished summer traditions are changing. Summer camps are now moving indoors, and parks are closing during heat waves. Even air travel …
The staggering consensus among Americans for stricter gun laws, including a majority of 63% advocating for a ban on assault weapons, is at odds with the continuous school shootings plaguing the nation. But this misalignment creates an opportunity for social movements that can enact change. The faces of the children, the anguish of the parents, …
In today’s world, young parents are often concerned about how their personal history will impact their children. The fear of passing down a hereditary illness or condition is very real, especially when it comes to eating disorders. One writer for The Atlantic recently shared her own personal story of dealing with anorexia and her worries …
The remarkable story of the four Indigenous children who survived for 40 days in the Amazon jungle after their plane crashed has captivated the world. The children, aged 13, 9, 4, and 11 months, have shared limited but harrowing details of their ordeal with their family. It was revealed that their mother survived for days …
Sociologist Sonia Salari of the University of Utah regularly asks her family studies class a thought-provoking question: “Who here is closest to their maternal grandmother?” The majority of hands shoot up. She then follows up with questions about grandfathers and paternal grandparents, and the number of hands dwindles. This survey segues perfectly into Salari’s lesson …
Discussing the subject of beauty with my three elementary-school-age daughters has always been a challenge. Despite my constant reminders that looks aren’t everything and that their character matters more, they remain skeptical. However, a year ago, while eavesdropping on my 9 and 6-year-old daughters, I overheard a conversation that shook me to my core. While …