So much is happening around the world right now that we often can feel overwhelmed. Whatever your political orientation, you may be struggling to keep up with a cascade of changes that soon may be impacting our families on a daily basis: climate events, economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and a fundamental set of questions about what it means to be a citizen. What’s one to do? Humans evolved in small communities. Child-rearing, food security, protection from danger, and...

Over the years I have worked with many students and families as they transitioned to college enrollment away from home. I have seen students go off to a new life on campus and flourish, and I have seen students flounder from day one with managing their lives away from home. Clearly emotional intelligence is at stake here: can a young person manage and name feelings, form healthy friendships, resolve conflicts, and remain optimistic even when disappointed or challenged. There are also...

Most of us parents had some difficult times growing up ourselves. For some of us, these difficult times had a major effect on our well-being as we grew into adulthood. Thus, we are often fearful – more fearful than others might be – that we will pass along difficulties to our children. There is a tool – the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scales (ACES) – that lists ten areas in a child’s life that may be problematic in the long term. You can find this scale easily on the Internet if...