Small Talks, No. 53

April 1, 2022

Apr 1

Dear Small Talker,

Welcome to the fifty third edition of Small Talks. Every Friday, I highlight 6 areas of weekly joys and reflections in early childhood and the whole family. Small Talks leverages my experience at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and impact investing. Enjoy!

April fools prank gifts for kids - Reviewed

What I’m celebrating -

This remarkable report “A call for connections” by Einhorn Collaborative, Greater Good Science Center and Sacred Design Lab highlights our major societal challenge of relational deprivation and loneliness, and offers an inspiring way forward.
New report shows that 1 in 10 parents (12%) say that world events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have negatively affected their child's imagination and ability to dream big, and 44% report their kids are increasingly isolated. Conversely, Conversely, 44% of parents said the pandemic positively affected their child's imagination. Of those who said it had a more positive effect, 46% said their child now realizes the importance of friendships and relationships after being isolated during the pandemic.
Child care and parenting solutions are on the list of Time 100 organizations! Check out Wonderschool (providing child care), Peanut (connecting parents) and Guild Education (offering adult education, including for many parents).

What I’m listening to -

This podcast with Alison Gopnik reframes the remarkable intelligence and potential of children, and the benefits of extended childhood.

What I’m reading -

“Forced to Care: Coercion and Caregiving in America” by Evelyn Nakano Glenn eloquently connects the how care is under-valued, and still primarily provided by women of color in our society to the history of slavery.
I learned about this book in Anne Helen Petersen’s newsletter. Read more about her important perspective below.
Culture Study
Forced to Care
One thing I’ve tried to get better at this past year: figuring out how to better acknowledge the labor that goes into work that I enjoy or that challenges me. That means figuring out how to support the person producing it — including financially. If you’re new here, welcome — I hope you hang around and see if you like it…
Read more
2 months ago · 110 likes · 53 comments · Anne Helen Petersen

What I’m watching -

This TikTok video showing a group of passengers on a plane singing the viral children's song "Baby Shark" to sooth a crying child gave me hope about kindness….and this is NOT an April’s Fool joke.

What I’m learning and exploring more deeply -

Excellent piece by Peter Gray “Why Kids Are Suffering”: deprivation of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
This piece by Katie Reilly summarizes the latest scientific evidence about impact of trauma on infants.
- “Are infants too young to experience and remember painful emotions or traumatic events? A growing body of research suggests no, and researchers believe that if left untreated, trauma experienced in infancy can result in lifelong health consequences.”
Interesting analysis by Kathryn Jezer-Morton in Romper on how social media is evolving toward a less idealized/more real version of parenting.
This piece by Jackie Mader at The Hechinger Report highlights 17 studies that show that guided play is as good as or better than adult-led, direct instruction.

Quote I’m pondering -

Feedback is a gift. Which part above is your favorite? What did I miss? What do you want more or less of? Other recommendations? Please kindly let me know. Thank to all of you who are sending me amazing suggestions.

Small Talks