Hunt, Gather, Parent

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

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