Update: February 2018
Read the February update from Making Caring Common and don't forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter to get updates straight to your inbox.
In the news
Making Caring Common's research on sexual harassment, romantic relationships, college admissions, and raising caring kids was featured in a wide range of publications this past month. Read more:
The New York Times: Real Men Get Rejected, Too
The Wall Street Journal: How to Raise More Grateful Children
MIT Admissions Blog: Policies, Principles, and Protests
KQED/Mindshift: How to Teach Teens About Love, Consent and Emotional Intelligence
Usable Knowledge: Resiliency After Violence
For more information and resources, check out our website, and be sure to follow Making Caring Common on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation online.
New research on bullying and kindness
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of 9- to 11-year-olds say they have been bullied at least "once or twice" and children who say they prioritize "caring about others" are far less likely to bully and more likely to reach out to other kids in kindness, according to a major national survey commissioned by Cartoon Network in consultation with Making Caring Common. When asked which is most important to their parents, only 14% said "caring about others" compared to 27% who said "good grades" and 56% who said "being happy."
"The results of this important survey powerfully convey both that bullying is a pervasive problem at young ages and that children want guidance about how to deal with it," said Making Caring Common's Rick Weissbourd. "As educators and parents, it's vital for us to answer this call and give children tools for preventing and challenging this tough, damaging problem."
Read the full report then check out our parenting resources for raising caring, ethical children and our school resources for promoting caring and respect.
Join the national launch of the Caring Schools #CommonGood campaign
In these divided times, schools and districts across the country are mobilizing to help young people create a better world.
We invite you to join the national launch of the Caring Schools #CommonGood campaign on Tuesday, March 6 and commit to taking new substantial action that advances one or more of the following goals:
Deepen students’ care for others and their communities;
Increase equity and access for all students in the college admissions process; and
Reduce excessive achievement pressure.
Learn more on our website or by emailing highschools@makingcaringcommon.org.
Staff picks: 50/50 Day, the Middle School Kindness Challenge, and Narnian Virtues
Lisa Eschenbach joined the Making Caring Common team in January and we're not sure how the project managed without her. Lisa's career in higher education and her experience parenting two daughters are a constant source of insight and inspiration in MCC's work.
This month, Lisa shares three picks for MCC readers:
1. Sign up for 50/50 Day
Join thousands of schools, companies, museums, libraries, and homes for this year's 50/50 Day, a global online discussion on April 26 about how we are going to get to a more gender balanced world that is better for everyone.
2. Join the Middle School Kindness Challenge
The Middle School Kindness Challenge provides access to research-based tools and resources, free of charge, to those who want to incorporate kindness into the school day and make kindness a practical, commonplace skill. Learn more and sign up by May 15.
3. Learn about Narnian Virtues: A Character Education English Curriculum
How can parents, teachers, and their 11- to 13-year-olds learn to cultivate good character through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Join the free education project led by professors Mark A. Pike and Thomas Lickona.
