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As a society, we've pretty much figured out how to teach academic skills pretty well. Even when children struggle to learn we have specialized curriculum and teachers. What we don't focus enough on is teaching effort. We also struggle to define and measure it. The most useful way to assess effort in children and teens is NOT to ask, “Did you try your best?” Effort is much more measurable when it is defined as observable behaviors that occur before, during, and after a tas

The young adults most likely to thrive in the next decade will not simply be the ones who know the most. They will be the ones who can regulate themselves, think critically, work effectively with AI, maintain strong human relationships, manage money, tolerate uncertainty, and continue learning.

Parents today are surrounded by apps, tablets, and “educational” digital toys promising to boost children’s learning and attention. But research increasingly suggests that many traditional toys are actually better for developing children’s emotional regulation, focus, and executive functioning. In my work with children and families, I often recommend going back to the basics.