Happy Friday,

Coming to y’all from my couch this morning, which is a huge upgrade from my deathbed, where I’ve been the last ~36 hours. Huge thanks to my wife for taking on the full parenting load so I could recover.

My down time gave me a chance to review hundreds of Spotify wrapped posts, and to see how others have embraced the idea. On top of having lots of kid related songs on my top charts this year (thanks, heysleepybaby), I want to shout out our friends at Cooper, who created a genius Parenting Wrapped that lots of parents can relate to.

Love Parenthood? Be sure to share it with your family, friends, and social network and encourage them to join our community!

One Big Idea

The Rise of Online Grade Books and Their Implications

While I might not personally be at this point yet, I’ve become increasingly interested with the rise of online grade books. These digital platforms, intended to provide a window into our children's academic progress, can be a double-edged sword. While they offer a new level of transparency and real-time feedback, they also bring with them a set of challenges that can affect the dynamics of learning and parent-child relationships.

Educators like Roxanne Greitz Miller and Mitch Foss provide valuable insights into this evolving landscape. Miller, witnessing the immediate effects at a California middle school, observed an increase in student anxiety and a shift in focus from the intrinsic value of learning to an obsession with grades. Foss's experiences echo this, noting a trend where students become preoccupied with scores, sometimes losing sight of the broader objectives of education.

The key for parents navigating these new tools is to find balance. These platforms, when used accordingly, can foster a supportive and informed environment. However, it's crucial to avoid the tendency to over-monitor, which can lead to even more pressure on children and hinder the development of essential skills like self-reliance and critical thinking. Encouraging children to take ownership of their academic responsibilities is vital, as it prepares them for future challenges and fosters a sense of independence.

Moreover, it's important to remember that these platforms are not just about the grades; they're about understanding our children's academic journey. Engaging in meaningful conversations about their progress, challenges, and successes is more beneficial than fixating on numbers. This approach can help in building resilience, nurturing a love for learning, and developing a healthy, balanced perspective towards education.

By the time my daughter is in middle school, I’m sure there will be even newer systems in place that keep parents updated on our kids progress. My hope is that we as parents find a way to use them to be supportive instead of using them as means to apply even more pressure in an extremely competitive world.

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Tip of the Day

• Endure Adversity: The ex-CEO of this Fortune 500 company shares the No. 1 thing her mom did to raise four highly successful executives

Here’s a dad joke

Why did the orange stop halfway across the road?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes

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