We are inundated daily by news of crises the world over — the perils of climate change, war and genocide, political corruption — just to name a few. For this reason, it’s not unusual to be anxious about the world our children stand to inherit, and what we can do to help create a more stable future for all our kids. Although I too am consumed by these thoughts, I was inspired by two stories this week about kids and adults tackling global issues, starting with a group of Scottish and Malawan teens endeavoring to rehab images of African life, and one man’s mission to tackle sanitation issues worldwide. I also learned that Millenials and Gen Z’ers are doing some of the work themselves to control their futures as they seek to change the definition of work-life balance.
While we grapple with the uncertain future for our world, we must also recognize that rapidly developing technological advancements bring innovation and with it, more opportunities for our children in the future. Does your child dream of going to space? There may be many more opportunities to work in space in the not-so-distant future.
And as we move into the dog days of summer, and our kids settle into a slower routine, one expert says parents should encourage their kids to put down their devices and move at least 60 minutes a day. One way to offset a sedentary summer lifestyle is to encourage kids to be entrepreneurial and start their own businesses and learn valuable life skills, says one Dad. And while we are on those slower days, read tips on how to keep your kids reading so that they avoid the “summer slide.”
And finally, it was a real eye-opener (and somewhat hilarious) this week to read about how cow (and other animal) farts are contributing in a big way to climate change. Yep, it’s true.
Here are my picks for the top Parenting for the Future stories this week:
How Malawi and Scots teens are changing the world
Meet a group of Scottish and Malawan teens working together to debunk myths about African life often illustrated by impoverished and starving children created by fundraising campaigns of international NGOs and governments.
Changing the World, One Toilet at a Time
Jack Simm has made it his life’s mission — through his organization World Toilet Organization — to tackle the global problem of poor sanitation and to break taboos surrounding toilets.
The Future of Work-Life Balance
The definition of work-life balance is changing as Millenials and Gen Z’ers enter the workforce more fearful of job burnout than their Gen X and Baby Boomer predecessors.
Want to work in the stars? Here are six future space jobs you could hold
Move over astronauts — there may be more job opportunities opening up in space in the not-so-distant future.
Are a cow’s farts the worst for the planet?’ Children’s climate questions answered
We all know that climate change is a major threat to our planet — but what you may not know is that cow farts are a big part of the problem.
Why Your Kid Needs A Side Hustle
This dad says kids who start their own businesses like lemonade stands, lawn mowing services or any other will learn critical, valuable life skills.
Move and groove with your kids this summer
Even though kids (and adults!) like to laze around in the summer, Sandra Sims, Ph.D.,, says parents should encourage kids to move for at least 60 minutes daily recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read Sims’ tips to get your kids to put down their screens and move.
Five tips to keep kids reading
Don’t let your child fall victim to the “summer slide.” Instead, keep them reading with these expert tips.
