archive

Some family relationships

Gabriella Conti and James J. Heckman (Chicago): The Economics of Child Well-Being. Sean Williams (Texas): Statistical Children. Meredith J. Peters on parental involvement: How much is enough and what can schools do to encourage it? From Vision, an interview with Christian Smith and Lisa Pearce, authors of Lost in Transition: The Dark Side of Emerging Adulthood; Gina Stepp interviews Ruth Nemzoff, author of Don’t Roll Your Eyes: Making In-Laws Into Family; and three recent books provide insight into why some family relationships seem to be more challenging than others. From TLS, a review essay by Emily Wilson on three millennia of motherhood. One of the most malignant features of modernity since the French Revolution has been the attempt by the State — left or right, fascist, nationalist, socialist, or communist — to take over control of children’s education from parents and local agencies — such as churches and municipalities — and direct that education in the interest of grandiose, intellectually neat, or more efficient plans and aims. Libby Copeland on the worst baby advice ever. John Cheese on 5 arguments parents have (never won) with their kids.