A Safe Haven in Cartoon Confidants

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/22/a-safe-haven-in-cartoon-confidantes

David Bornstein

The New York Times

22 November 2010

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Children coming from abusive households are often reluctant to discuss their past experiences. A Mexican foundation is using animated characters to help abused and ill children speak about their lives.

A Town Where a School Bus Is More Than a Bus

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/a-town-where-a-school-bus-is-more-than-a-bus

Sam Chaltain

The New York Times

27 February 2015

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There are many other adults beyond teachers who regularly interact with children — and who are often overlooked as potential contributors to the educational mission. Hartsville, South Carolina, uses school bus drivers as a resource and extra set of eyes to observe how students are doing.

Building Social Skills, Alone at a Computer

https://medium.com/bright/building-social-skills-alone-at-a-computer-2c100a502ecc

Ellen Lee

Bright Magazine

18 May 2015

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Critics in today's world often say that computers and technology are impeding the social skills of the very young. But Zoo U, a computer game for children, helps kids develop the skills they need such as empathy, impulse control, and communication.

Can School Heal Children in Pain?

https://medium.com/bright/can-school-heal-children-in-pain-d9ef3abb9176

James Redford

Bright Magazine

1 June 2015

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Adverse childhood experiences — like assault, emotional abuse, observing domestic violence — can fundamentally alter a child’s body and brain. Lincoln High School teachers are taking in a "trauma-informed care" approach to their teaching to help those vulnerable students whose brains have been altered due to violence, abuse, or assault.

Changing Course

http://ctmirror.org/2015/01/21/changing-course

Arielle Levin Becker

The Connecticut Mirror

21 January 2015

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Science suggests that having a secure relationship with a caregiver can help protect a child’s brain and body from the effects of adversity. A Connecticut program for young children who have experienced trauma or other challenges has gotten results by focusing on that relationship – and the things that can interfere, including depression, family violence, and a parent’s own history of trauma.

Child Care and the Overwhelmed Parent

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/24/child-care-and-the-overwhelmed-parent

Courtney E. Martin

The New York Times

24 July 2014

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The problem and importance of finding reliable childcare for poor, working parents is increasingly prevalent. Lawmakers and non-profits alike are creating new solutions to help make childcare affordable.

Detroit Team Shrinks Breastfeeding Disparities

http://womensenews.org/story/health/150620/detroit-team-shrinks-breastfeeding-disparities

Molly Ginty

Women's eNews

22 June 2015

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At St. John Hospital in Detroit, the principles of cultural sensitivity and collaboration—as well as lots of fundraising—have boosted previously low breastfeeding rates by black mothers.

Easier Than Taking Vitamins

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/05/easier-than-taking-vitamins

Sam Loewenberg

The New York Times

5 September 2012

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A nutrient powder can save anemic children, but the people who could benefit are distrustful. Having local mothers distribute the supplement was successful in Bangladesh.

Curbing Online Abuse Isn't Impossible. Here's Where We Start

http://www.wired.com/2014/05/fighting-online-harassment

Laura Hudson

Wired

15 May 2014

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Harassment on the internet is more accepted but just as harmful as it is in person. RiotGames, a game publisher, decreased abuse by enabling its gaming members to decide and enforce community norms.

Empathy, not Expulsion, for Preschoolers at Risk

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/empathy-not-expulsion-for-preschoolers-at-risk

Sara Neufeld

The New York Times

20 February 2015

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Preschoolers in the U.S. who misbehave are increasingly being expelled. In Connecticut, trained counselors educated teachers about how to deal with emotionally traumatized kids which reduced expulsions.