Many parents worry that their child isn’t driven enough or needs more pushing. In this conversation, Terry Dubow talks with Minnie Wales, Director of Education for Elementary, about what true motivation looks like and how children can learn to find their own drive. Together, they explore how curiosity, choice, and gentle guidance help kids build lifelong confidence and resilience.
Every parent wonders what to do when their child seems unmotivated. In this Grounded and Soaring article, educator Minnie Wales explores how real motivation develops—not from pressure or rewards, but from purpose, curiosity, and the freedom to take ownership of learning.
Our children are growing up in a world that’s louder, faster, and more distracted than ever. Meditation teacher Jess Morey joins Sam Shapiro, Head of Marin Montessori School, to talk about what kids and teens are really seeking beneath all the noise — safety, connection, and belonging — and how mindfulness can help families cultivate calm, compassion, and resilience together.
The early excitement of the school year has worn off, the pace hasn’t slowed, and many families are running on fumes. Montessori educator Siri Panday joins Terry Dubow to talk about how rhythm, routine, and a little less pressure can help families navigate transitions with more calm.
Wonder fuels curiosity and resilience. In this conversation, Terry Dubow and Tree Sturman explore why wonder matters in childhood and how parents can protect that spark at home and in school.
What should schools teach when AI can do so much? Choate’s Jenny Elliott joins Sam Shapiro to share why friction, creativity, and human connection are more essential than ever.
In a world optimized for ease, children risk missing the growth that comes from struggle. Discover how Montessori education at Marin Montessori School gives kids safe, meaningful challenges that build resilience, confidence, and purpose.
Discover The AI Revolution & Education: 10 Crucial Transitions, a free guide for parents and educators on preparing students for an AI-driven future. Learn actionable strategies, expert insights, and real-world examples to help schools adapt and equip children with the skills they need to thrive.
A moving conversation with poet and parent educator Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer on the practice of self-compassion—why it’s vital for parents, how it shapes our children’s growth, and what the latest research reveals about its profound emotional and physical benefits.
A growing body of research highlights executive function as one of the strongest predictors of student success. More than just academic content, schools that prioritize self-direction, goal-setting, and metacognitive growth are giving students the tools they need to thrive—in college, in careers, and in life.
