Surprising benefits grandparents and other elders offer the youngest generation. Parents put a lot of thought and effort into trying to be role models for their children. We’re not perfect, of course, but we want to set an example. We teach children manners—like to say thank you and be compassionate. But how much thought do… Read More

The everyday reality of free will. In his new book, The Science of Free Will , Roy Baumeister, professor of psychology at The University of Queensland, discusses three studies that asked college students and adults what they think it means to have free will . The themes that emerged were essentially, “making a choice and not being… Read More

The unknowing way we fail our children. One of my closest friends frequently talks about wishing she could have a “do-over” as a parent. Her grown children are highly accomplished—two are lawyers, and another is the CEO of a corporation. Despite their achievements, however, my friend is convinced that she made mistakes by monitoring and… Read More

Understand the difference between showing up for and overprotecting your child. Part of growing up is learning how to handle uncomfortable situations and setbacks. This is how children become confident, independent adults. But overly protective parenting can reactively deliver children from challenging circumstances that help them develop and mature. Call it what you will—“helicopter,” always… Read More

Could the right incentive convince you to have a baby, or another baby? Despite changing norms around family planning and parenthood, the stereotype that “two children make a family” remains deeply entrenched, with many families saying it is still their preference. Yet, birth rates in the U.S. and other countries continue to decline, approaching record… Read More