In Praise of ‘Difficult’ Kids
Feisty children can be exhausting. They also possess a moral fire that deserves cultivating.
Family
The Endless Goodbye
More than a decade before my dad died, I lost him to dementia.
Everyone Thinks They Need a NeeDoh
But no one can find one.
The Sneaky-Saver Generation
Gen Z may have a Peter Pan reputation—but it’s also saving a lot of money.
You Don’t Know Yourself as Well as You Think You Do
And that’s okay.
Lament for the IRL Craft Shop
The closing of Joann means the loss of another destination for creative discovery—and community.
Bring Back Communal Kid Discipline
Many American adults hesitate to correct strangers’ children in public. I wish it weren’t so.
How a Recession Might Tank American Romance
Historically, in dark times people have sought love. But today might be different.
It Should Not Be Controversial to Plead for Gaza’s Children
Israel’s limits on aid have put the region at “critical risk of famine.” Help is within reach. But it’s not enough—and it’s arriving too slowly.
How the Passionate Male Friendship Died
The “perfect” platonic bond used to be between two men. What happened?
The New Spiritual Leader on Campus
Students are growing less religious. Many chaplains are adapting.
Just Let Your Kids Play With Makeup
Many people consider it a red flag. It doesn’t have to be.
The Default-Parent Problem
Why do so many people assume that Mom knows what’s going on with the kids, and that Dad does not?
The Wrong Way to Motivate Your Kid
When children fall short, many parents’ instinct is to take away something they love. That’s the wrong impulse.