Family
If this author is to be honest, someone that has actually had a family should write this page. While this was always intentional, it has left a bit of a gap in experience that would make any attempt into a striking example of Dunning-Krugerism.
You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust.
You were born with ideals and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don’t.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.
-Rumi
Here are some references to other authors and content producers who actually have expertise in this area.
The Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt's recent book The Anxious Generation is the best, most direct analysis of the mental health crisis that social media has caused, with very practical and easy-to-implement solutions that can dramatically change the childhood experience for the better. He is a leading voice for positive psychology, play, and choosing freedom to learn over safety.
Some have criticized his stances on social media as a bit alarmist or narrowly focused to the exclusion of other factors. Of course everything isn't social media's fault, but it's a huge problem that nobody is doing anything about, leaving the majority of adults and children alike hopelessly addicted and brainwashed. So, maybe some focus on this issue is warranted. His book also has several chapters dedicated to the loss of free play in the name of safety, so many of those criticisms come from people who haven't finished the book.
His After Babel Substack is another great resource for articles and other relevant content that advocates for a play-based childhood.
He also appears on Hidden Brain - Escaping the Matrix as well as many others.
The Safety page discusses related topics about the excess of fear in the media and how that effectively limits freedom.
More discussion of this topic can be found on the Safety page.
The YouTube Generation
Editors add your favorite family advice videos here!
This advice seems pretty solid despite the AI voice.
Jabberwocky
The absurdity, playfulness, and adventure in Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky makes it beloved by children, and a great way to celebrate the coming of age for young boys.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
“Beware the Jabberwock, my son!The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!”
He took his vorpal sword in hand;Long time the manxome foe he sought—
So rested he by the Tumtum tree
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and throughThe vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
“And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!”
He chortled in his joy.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy tovesDid gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
The Family that Plays Together
Many great bands came from siblings and families that play music together. A good deal of trauma, too!