Smart devices don’t make smart kids. PLUS: 4 ways around this digital dilemma
The proliferation of smart devices, like phones and tablets, have made it easier for children to log-on. Last month Fisher-Price got an earful from consumer advocacy groups over their Apptivity Seat, essentially a baby seat with an iPad holder that dangles the device in front of a newborn’s eyes. Read More...
David Ludwig: Child obesity expert
Food activist and author, Michael Pollan, says David Ludwig is a "pioneering researcher, clinician and writer who is making a difference in the fight against child obesity." Wroth,Carmel | Jan/Feb 2010 issue David Ludwig, Director, Obesity Program, Children's Hospital, Boston. Photo: Jason Read More...
“Summer vacations cause disadvantaged children to fall behind”
Education outside the classroom, through summertime activities rooted in family life, can boost kids’ prospects for the future. Marco Visscher | April 2009 issue Karl Alexander, professor of sociology at John Hopkins University. Photo: Karl Alexander Karl Alexander, professor of sociology Read More...
A fun way to feed kids vegetables
Trojan veggie crepes for kids. Elbrich Fennama | December 2008 issue All parents have faced this dilemma: How do I get the little ones to eat a decent meal? Making sure they get their carbohydrates and protein isn't a challenge, thanks to pizza, pasta and crepes, but how do you sneak in enough Read More...
Adventures in learning
At Aventurijn, a small private school in the Netherlands, children decide what to study and how to study it. Ineke Noordhoff | October 2008 issue Fifteen-year-old Jurriaan de Vos doesn’t have to worry about his report card; his school doesn’t give grades. “There is a class schedule,” he Read More...
They all can fly
South Africa's Zip Zap Circus works to end racial segregation and foster trust, dedication and teamwork. Fred De Vries| April 2008 issue A circus? Twelve-year-old Andiswa Nkebendu, raised by her mother in the notorious Khayelitsha township near Cape Town, South Africa, had never heard of such a Read More...
Childhood unplugged
My struggle to save my kids from consumer culture. Leah Dobkin | April 2008 issue A war is raging between parents trying to raise children and corporate America trying to raise customers. As a parent of three children, I think I'm losing, or at least losing my mind. I've tried to educate my Read More...
We don't need no supervision
Kids may find it harder to grow up if adults over-regulate their lives. Tim Gill| Jan/Feb 2008 issue There’s a widespread belief that children grow up faster today. In fact, though they may adopt adult cultures and attitudes, their daily lives are far more controlled and overseen than a couple of Read More...
Let them play Sims
Why there should be video games in every classroom. Marco Visscher | December 2007 issue Invariably, the people who criticize video and computer games grew up without Nintendo, PlayStation or Atari. The sometimes-heated discussions about games are a typical example of a generational conflict, Will Read More...