For decades, schools invested heavily in technology, convinced that more screens would produce better learning. Now, many educators and policymakers are asking whether we've allowed the tool to become the teacher. Technology has undeniable value, but innovation should always be judged by outcomes, not novelty. Sometimes the best way to prepare students for the future is to rediscover the strengths of paper, pencils, books, and face-to-face learning.
Read MoreWatching my nine-year-old daughter perform in Frozen reminded me that courage often looks much smaller (and much more powerful) than we imagine. Stepping onto a stage under bright lights, speaking lines, singing, and dancing before hundreds of people requires a kind of vulnerability that many adults still avoid. Confidence is rarely something we possess before the challenge; it is something we earn by facing it. Sometimes the greatest acts of bravery begin with simply taking that first step into the spotlight.
Read MoreOne of the hardest lessons parents ever teach is that not everyone deserves your trust. We want our children to believe in kindness, generosity, and the goodness of people, yet we also have a responsibility to prepare them for those who exploit those very qualities. The same applies in philanthropy, where trust is the foundation of every donor relationship and the very thing scammers seek to abuse. The goal is not to become cynical, but to pair trust with vigilance.
Read MoreWatching a child become a teenager is a reminder that the small, often exhausting parenting decisions of earlier years matter more than they seem in the moment. While mistakes and impulsive moments remain part of the teenage experience, there are encouraging signs of growing maturity and self-awareness. The lesson is reassuring: the habits and boundaries established over time often reveal their value years later.
Read MoreAs technology becomes ever-present in learning, some educators—and parents—are rediscovering the value of limits. Removing screens, even temporarily, reveals how deeply attention, patience, and true understanding depend on sustained focus. Simple shifts, like homework at the table or devices outside the bedroom, create space for deeper engagement and more meaningful learning. The goal isn’t to reject technology, but to ensure it supports thinking rather than replacing it.
Read More“Dad, I need to print this—it's due tomorrow!” he exclaimed, as if I moonlight as Office Depot after hours. Turns out, the real assignment was teaching time management... and mastering the art of not dragging your parent into a 9 p.m. crisis.
Read MoreCoaching my kids' basketball teams is a chance to be a good father and role model, focusing on fun, improvement, and life lessons. But after our first game of the season, I couldn't shake the frustration of dealing with referees who let their insecurities and overuse of power tarnish the experience. While I strive to model respect for authority, it’s hard to ignore how unnecessary displays of control can trigger feelings of frustration and resentment. It’s a reminder that even small moments, like a youth game, can be impacted by the misuse of power.
Read MoreAs artificial intelligence like, ChatGPT, gains acceptance, a recent Fox Business article reveals that nearly half of Generation Z prefers AI career advice over that of their supervisors. While I appreciate AI for fact-finding, I rely more on the experiential lessons from my upbringing and mentors. Ultimately, AI should support our decisions, not replace the invaluable human experiences that shape our lives.
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