Parenting in the digital era can cause us a lot of angst as we strive for balance in screen time and social media. But as I work on my podcast Parenting for the Future, I’m keenly aware that digital technology is what has truly allowed us to advance into the Information Age. One of the most powerful stories that I came across this week was about how millions of young people lack access to the Internet and how that is hindering their educational and professional opportunities. I’ve been sharing these articles — and many others — nightly on my Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest boards and as a weekly round-up on my blog.
Here are my picks for the top parenting stories this week
How UNICEF Is Leveraging Mobile Tech To Get Results For Children
Less than half of babies born in Pakistan are being registered at birth, which means that legally they don’t exist. UNICEF has partnered with local organizations to introduce digital birth registration, giving these children a better chance at being enrolled in school and receiving immunizations.
Without internet, 364 million children are falling behind
While many of us struggle to keep our kids from spending too much time online, it’s important to remember that millions of young people lack access to the Internet.
Help Your Kid Remember Things By Asking These Questions
It’s frustrating when kids forget things, as it’s tied to self reliance and maturity. These strategies will help kids remember without too much nagging.
Inside ‘Dream Big,’ the Engineering Doc That Wants to Reach Every US School
The Imax documentary “Dream Big” wants to make engineering look cool to 9- to 12-year-old kids.
Happiness expert: These are the 3 components of lasting happiness (and the mistakes people make)
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom, reminds us that being part of a strong community can help us find happiness.
High school and students design menu
These students have created a nutritious, energy-fueling “Athlete’s Choice” lunch option that’s so popular that the kids are lining up in the cafeteria for taste tests.
Reinventing Education For The Future Of Work
“With technology increasingly capable of performing routine tasks, it is beholden on us to develop those skills that are fundamentally human,” writes Forbes columnist Adi Gaskell.
Dad Turns Board Games into Bed Sheets So Sick Kids Lying in Hospitals Won’t Get Bored
This entrepreneur got his idea when he visited his friend’s hospitalized child in a plain white room several years ago.
8 Books For ‘Harry Potter’ Fans To Read To & With Their Kids
Harry Potter has sparked a love of reading in countless kids. Romper suggests some books that will also appeal to Harry Potter fans.
Bates College, Gallup report: Grads want ‘purposeful’ work
Four out of five college graduates said that they want a purposeful job that connects them to a larger mission.
35 Hilarious Tweets About Getting Your Kids To Clean
We’ve all been there… Getting your kids to clean up is no joke!
Avoid rushing to specialize your kids in a sport too early
As children are under increased pressure to choose a sport early on and stick with it, but experts make the argument that trying out multiple sports may ultimately make kids better athletes.