Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class

TO MY MIND, THOUGH, there is a third development that has altered our parenting experience above all others, and that is the wholesale transformation of the child’s role, both in the home and in society. Since the end of World War II, childhood has been completely redefined. Today, we work hard to shield children from life’s hardships. But througho... See more

Who could blame young adults for thinking that work is fake and meaningless if we prescribe fake and meaningless work for the first two decades of their existence? By confining meaningful work to an adult-only activity, it is little wonder that adolescence is a period of great depression. It would be surprising if it was not. Even for smart childre... See more

American psychologist Mary Ainsworth, demonstrates that secure attachment contributes to long-term success in health, relationships, and careers. It’s a greater predictor of success than conventional measures such as IQ. And of course, insecure attachment goes the other way. None of this should come as a surprise. For children, the primary relation

... See more

Adolescents who never learn to control their consciousness grow up to be adults without a “discipline.” They lack the complex skills that will help them survive in a competitive, information-intensive environment. And what is even more important, they never learn how to enjoy living. They do not acquire the habit of finding challenges that bring ou

... See more