Five key takeaways from our work in 2023
From delving into the complexities of parenting to forging meaningful connections across diverse fields, 2023 has been a year of profound learning and growth for us at Making Caring Common. Here are five key takeaways that have shaped our work and continue to inspire us.
Balancing research and reality: Translating research into practical tools for parents is like walking a tightrope—to be successful, we must find the sweet spot between evidence-based principles and the messy magic of everyday life. While our parenting strategies for developing children’s empathy, gratitude, and diligence received overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents in our latest study, some strategies—even those most closely aligned with the research—need further refinement to resonate with diverse family experiences. We're committed to continuously improving our resources with more practical tips and relatable examples.
The power of indirect outcomes: In our Caring Families research project we expected direct outcomes such as increased empathy in children, but the indirect benefits of our strategies were heartwarming. Parents reported gaining new perspectives on their children, witnessing positive behavioral changes, and experiencing a deeper appreciation for their own role as caregivers. These unexpected outcomes highlight the transformative power of our work and motivate us to continue creating resources that nurture parent-child relationships.
Context in college admission. MCC and Common App piloted a new Student Context Question designed to give students a quick and easy way to share information about their home commitments on the college application. Over 220,000 students applying to 12 colleges encountered this question last year. Low-income and first gen students were more likely to indicate that they participate in a greater number of home commitments than their peers. Applicants who selected that they participate in seven or more home commitments were almost four times as likely as non-responders to report low-income status. Applicants who indicated high levels of involvement in family logistics or finances were almost five times as likely as non-responders to identify as first-generation.
Mental health matters. While we expected to find some correlations between parent and teen mental health, in our Caring for the Caregivers research we were surprised to learn just how inextricably linked the two are. In our On Edge research, we were also shocked to learn how many young people say they lack meaning or purpose in their lives. We’re now expanding our focus and embarking on an exciting line of work at the intersections of moral development, mental health, and spirituality.
Collaboration and connection. Throughout the year, we've had the privilege of working with incredible organizations and individuals across diverse fields. These collaborations have been instrumental in shaping our work, providing valuable insights, and forging meaningful connections. We believe that by sharing resources and expertise in a spirit of collaboration, we can collectively make an even greater impact on families, schools, and communities.
As we move forward, we're committed to building upon these takeaways, continuing to refine our work, and expanding our reach. Here’s to a healthy, caring, and insightful 2024!
Posted by Alison Cashin, Director of Communications
