Imagine the power of shifting the next generation’s focus from technology to humanity.The loneliness, anxiety, and depression teens and parents feel urgently point to the need for change. We require a “humanaissance,” a rebirth of heart, human spirit and connection, learning, and wisdom. Just as the Renaissance brought fresh, innovative ideas about cultural and human potential—bringing enlightenment to dark times—our families need to meet today's uncertainty and divisiveness with a pathway toward wholeness and contribution. This pivot is only made possible with courage. When nearly three out of four parents worry that their teen will struggle with mental health challenges, we need everyday tools and strategies to move from darkness into the light. In Humanaissance: Igniting Courage in Our Teens and Ourselves, Jennifer S. Miller, MEd uses the science of adolescent and adult development, the heart of storytelling, and the practices of mindfulness to infuse this often intense, painful, and anxiety-ridden time of life with agency, purpose, and well-being. You and your teen will learn to Identify which of the six kinds of courage you already use and which ones you need to acquire.Assess your family's unique sources of strength and grow them as assets.Harness threat emotions like anger, anxiety, and fear as courage.Alter patterns from your upbringing that you want to change in your parenting.Translate your deepest family values into everyday actions and bigger life choices.Recalibrate your family’s relationship with technology for efficiency, learning, well-being, connection, and innovation.Assert boundaries with kindness and confidence to sustain healthy relationships.Cultivate your teen’s sense of purpose and meaning in life. We cannot wait for a time of greater stability to set our teens on a trajectory to success. Now is the moment to discover our own inner heart-led courage and cultivate it in our teens to not only thrive but lead the way to a better world.
