Archive - Play Makes Us Human

End of Year, 2024, Report on Play Makes Us Human

Here are some numbers on growth of "Play Makes Us Human" this year, and more.

Dec 31, 2024 •

Responses to Comments on My Vision for the Future of Education

I respond here to comments and questions on Letter #61, concerning my theory of how our educational system should evolve and is evolving.

Dec 23, 2024 •

#61. My Vision for the Future of Education

What will replace k-12 and college?

Dec 16, 2024 •

#60. The Misplaced Worry About Getting into an Elite College

Even as measured by financial return, there is little or no advantage in choosing an elite college over a less elite college.

Dec 5, 2024 •

November 2024

#59. Was James Conant Responsible for Destroying American Childhood?

Did changes in Harvard College admissions policies contribute to the loss of childhood freedom we see today?

Nov 27, 2024 •

Responses to Comments on Economic Inequality’s Effect on Parenting Style

I respond to comments on college admissions procedures, family economic background, contexts of "hard work," concern for "happiness," and concern for…

Nov 16, 2024 •

#58. Economic Inequality as a Driver of Intensive Parenting

When the gap between rich and poor is high, parents turn childhood into a period of resumé building.

Nov 7, 2024 •

October 2024

#57. The Good Enough Parent Is the Best Parent

The attempt to be a perfect parent, or even a great one, is futile and possibly harmful.

Oct 31, 2024 •

Responses to Comments Concerning the Harm of Intensive Parenting Beliefs

I respond here to questions about the definition of intensive parenting, why it is harmful, the difference between care for little kids and older ones…

Oct 23, 2024 •

#56. Intensive Parenting Is Harming Parents as Well as Kids

Reflections provoked by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health of Parents

Oct 17, 2024 •

#55. What Do Kids at a Center for Self-Directed Education Do on Their Smartphones?

A Guest Post from Ben Draper at the Macomber Center

Oct 9, 2024 •

#54. Social Norms, Moral Judgments, and Irrational Parenting

Fear of being viewed as a "bad parent" may lead parents to leash their kids even when they know the leash is harmful.

Oct 3, 2024 •

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