Page 22 – Early Learning Nation

5 Top Takeaways from the “Black Lives Matter for Families” Conversation Hosted by Common Sense Media and the Commonwealth Club

Mark Swartz·Jun 25, 2020·2 min read

On Thursday, June 18, Common Sense Media and the Commonwealth Club hosted a conversation titled “Parenting in Support of Black Lives: How to Build a Just Future for Kids (and How Media Can Help).” Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, a clinician, consultant and trainer, moderated the conversation, with Julie Lythcott-Haims (How to Raise an Adult) and Ibram X. Kendi (How to Be an Antiracist) weighing in on a range of urgent issues for parents and, really, anyone concerned about the state of our union. Here are five takeaways from the event, which is available for viewing.

Elliot’s Provocations: Where Have All the Child Care Lobbyists Gone?

Elliot Haspel·Apr 4, 2023·4 min read

Last month, I wrote about how child care’s lack of salience in the public imagination is holding back its political opportunities. The absence of mass public pressure is one piece of the puzzle. Another piece is that by and large, child care lacks a strong inside game.

Personal Business: Emily Oster’s New Book Runs the Numbers on Young Kids

Mark Swartz·Sep 21, 2021·4 min read

Economists are famously bad at predicting the future. (There’s even an old joke: Why did God create economists? To make weather forecasters look good.) Nevertheless, thinking like an economist can help prepare us for what lies ahead for our children.

Asset-Informed Care: Seeing People as More than the Worst That’s Happened to Them

K.C. Compton·Dec 18, 2019·5 min read

Language evolves. What was once a just-right phrase that fit a situation like a glove can, in time, become constraining...

This Summer, Create Opportunities to Slow Down, Be Present, Reclaim the Wonder

MaryJean McCarthy·Jun 15, 2020·4 min read

While such togetherness and lack of the usual resources will likely inspire new horror films and comedy series, this quarantine period also provides a positive reminder for us to slow down, be present and reclaim the wonder.

Seedlings in the Garden: Childhood Food Sovereignty and the Push to Reclaim Indigenous Foodways

After their food systems were systematically destroyed, America’s Indian Tribes are teaching their children the importance of healthy diets through agricultural education

Suzette Brewer·Apr 10, 2024·10 min read

Every weekday morning, Nichole Efird greets her students with a hug and the promise of another adventure. With a curriculum...

Book Review: Natality: Toward a Philosophy of Birth

K.C. Compton·May 30, 2023·5 min read

In flipping the script, Banks writes that birth is immense, that birth has existential, moral and theological significance at least as great as death.

Pequeños y Valiosos: Brain-Building Messages Hit Home with Hispanic Households

K.C. Compton·Dec 29, 2020·8 min read

Anyone acquainted with telenovelas—those Spanish-speaking cousins of soap opera—recognizes the characters and themes: Love triangles! Family secrets! Ruthless bad guys!...