On October 1st, 2025, the world lost one of its most beloved voices for animals, children, and the planet. Dame Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, passed away peacefully at age 91 while on a speaking tour in California. Her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees reshaped science—but her influence reaches far beyond the jungle. For parents, educators, and caregivers, Jane Goodall’s life offers profound lessons in empathy, observation, and the power of gentle connection. 🧠 Parenting Through Observation, Not Control In the 1960s, Jane Goodall entered the forests of Tanzania with no formal scientific training, just a notebook and an open mind. She watched, listened, and waited. Her patient, respectful approach revealed that chimpanzees—once thought to be primitive—used tools, expressed emotions, and formed deep social bonds. This mirrors what many of us strive for in parenting: to observe rather than impose, to understand rather than control. Goodall’s m...

While parenting is a beautiful journey, it can also be fraught with stress, anxiety, and moments when it seems like the world is moving too quickly. Amidst the whirlwind of raising children, maintaining a household, and possibly juggling work, finding peace and calm can feel impossible. This is where mindfulness comes in. What is mindfulness? At its core, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment, (Kabat-Zinn, 1994). It’s about stepping back from the chaos and finding a sense of calm and clarity. Mindfulness is rooted in ancient meditation practices, but it has gained significant popularity in modern times due to its profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. Why is Mindfulness Important for Parents? Reduces Stress : Parenting is inherently stressful. Mindfulness helps reduce stress levels by allowing parents to manage their reactions to challenging situations more effectively, (Hölz...