Home » ExchangeEveryDay » Hunt, Gather, Parent



ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues


<< Previous Issue | View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> ExchangeEveryDay
Hunt, Gather, Parent
March 29, 2021
Everything changes when you begin to love yourself. You no longer send out desperation or need to be filled from the outside. You become a powerful source within yourself that attracts better.
-Author Idil Ahmed
 
 
I’ve been reading an intriguing new book by NPR Science Correspondent, Michaeleen Doucleff that’s been getting a lot of press lately. Hunt, Gather, Parent’s subtitle is: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans.

On the NPR website, Doucleff writes: "For decades, scientists have documented a surprising phenomenon: In many cultures around the world, parents don’t struggle to raise helpful, kind kids. From ages 2 to 18 kids want to help their families...You can find kids like this in a huge range of cultures scientists have documented: from hunter-gatherers in the Arctic to farmers in the Andes…For the past four years, I’ve been on a mission to learn why."

She describes this challenge: "Many psychologists whom I spoke with think the erosion of the extended family is a root cause for the high rates of postpartum depression in the U.S., as well as in the rising epidemic of anxiety and depression among children and teenagers. Mom, dads, and kids are simply lonely."

It occurs to me that we in the early education field have a key role in supporting families. In some ways we can become like their extended family. In the Exchange Essentials article collection, "Powerful Partnerships with Families," Leslie Carter asks the question, "How can an early childhood program support teachers as they tackle the challenge of connecting with families?" It’s a great question, especially in this time of pandemic, but valuable to explore any time.

There’s no doubt in my mind that early educators and families all could use a lot more support than we have been getting. Creating intentional ways for these two groups to support each other is a worthy goal.

Please know you have our support always,
Nancy Rosenow
Exchange Publisher
on behalf of the entire Exchange team




Exchange Essentials

All Exchange Essentials 50% off for a limited time

Because of the compelling research on the benefits of high-quality programs for young children, Exchange is pleased to be able to offer all Exchange Essential article collections, including Powerful Partnerships with Families, at an exceptional price.

Find resources on subjects such as administration, child development, curriculum, environments, family, and leadership.

Use code FAMILY when prompted.

Offer valid through March 30, 2021 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
May not be combined with any other offer.

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

What is ExchangeEveryDay?

ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.



Comments (2)

Displaying All 2 Comments
Tiffany Peckham · April 01, 2021
Dimensions
Lincoln, NE, United States


Ruth Ann,

Thank you for your comment. I'm so grateful for my own grandmother who always included me in those activities you listed. It teaches us how to work together and gives us a sense of responsibilities towards ourselves and others. Can't agree more!

-Tiffany at Exchange

Ruth Ann Ball · March 29, 2021
Yukon, Oklahoma, United States


The extended family is critical for support. I agree with the article on Hunt, Gather, Parent. Families are stressed beyond belief at times. As a grandparent, just taking time to listen to parents and children without judgment reduces the stress. Letting children help you to cook, sew, clean a house or do laundry with you lets the younger generation know how to live and survive in difficult times. Just working together to empty a dishwasher or folding clothes can be fun to do together. We need to do more in our culture.



Post a Comment

Have an account? to submit your comment.


required

Your e-mail address will not be visible to other website visitors.
required
required
required

Check the box below, to help verify that you are not a bot. Doing so helps prevent automated programs from abusing this form.



Disclaimer: Exchange reserves the right to remove any comments at its discretion or reprint posted comments in other Exchange materials.