Pamela Cantor, M.D. Pens Guest Post for Education Next

Turnaround for Children Founder and Senior Science Advisor, Pamela Cantor, M.D., authored an article for Education Next titled “The Stress of This Moment Might Be Hurting Kids’ Development.”

In the article, Dr. Cantor describes how today’s climate, rife with “protests, police brutality and the ongoing threat of COVID-19 have upended safety and unleashed deep-seated fury and grief across the United States, particularly in communities of Color.”

Dr. Cantor acknowledges the impact the societal unrest may be having on both adults and children as they confront uncertainties around health, the economy, food insecurity and the education system. She also notes that this ongoing pressure may affect the developing brains of young people.

To help inoculate ourselves and children from this intolerable stress, Dr. Cantor suggests focusing on The Three Rs: relationships, routines and resilience. She offers practical advice and shares examples of ways adults can maintain relationships, create routines and build resilience.

In closing, Dr. Cantor concludes on an optimistic note:

In every story about an individual who has surmounted adversity and gone on to do amazing things, there is always a person or group of people who made that success possible. This is the power each of us carries: to be that person for a young person and for each other, in our lives at home and when we meet again at school.

Read the full blog post on Education Next.