More than 56.6 million children and young people are currently distance learning and the impact on their developmental growth and well-being has been immense. When we talk about reopening schools, however, the focus frequently shifts from the difficulties they are facing to schools being the lynchpin to reopening our economy. Why aren’t we thinking about how we can reopen schools in the context of what is best for kids’ development, health, and well-being?
Read MoreThankfully—children are infrequently made seriously ill themselves by COVID-19, every aspect of their lives has been disrupted by the pandemic. While there are many resources available for parents, families, and caregivers to help their children understand what is happening, the lack of direct communication with our young people by our leaders is consistent with our country’s overall attitude toward kids: unlike much of the rest of the world, we do not view our young people as individual citizens.
Read More2020 is an election year for the United States and kids in the U.S. continue to face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. We all need to say, loud and clear, to candidates on both sides of the aisle: we need you to talk about kids. We need you to prioritize kids, just as you do veterans, and foreign policy, and healthcare, and the environment.
Read MoreIn mid-October, I was invited to Cologne, Germany to attend the first-ever Child Friendly Cities Summit. Prior to the start of the Summit’s technical discussions, I participated in a study visit to Regensburg. I’d like to share my firsthand experience in a child friendly city.
Read MoreThere is no shortage of advocates or organizations who work tirelessly on behalf of kids—in direct service and in policy reform—each and every day. We are committed to the same outcome: to help kids thrive. And yet, why can’t we collectively mobilize the will and the resources to more broadly advance these solutions?
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