At 2 a.m., a mother rocks her crying two-month-old, exhausted and unsure what to do next. She tries soothing, then distraction, then silence. Nothing works. By morning, guilt sets in. She wonders, like so many caregivers: Why didn’t anyone teach me how to do this? Most people will one day be responsible for another person, […]
Over the last few months, it feels as if our country has repeatedly experienced the kind of public, unpredictable brutality that collapses time. From bombings to school shootings to federal agents killing civilians, current events are forcing many families to absorb the psychological weight of violence that feels both distant and alarmingly close. For parents and guardians, this comes with […]
Across the United States, researchers are examining the impact of a quiet but consequential shift in adolescence: young people have fewer opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities through volunteering — particularly structured youth service. Packed schedules and constant adult oversight can crowd out experiences where youth take on real responsibility and see the tangible social […]
It’s been 14 years since George Eddy died as an infant. Reflecting on his son’s life still brings his father, Sean, to tears. “Our son George was born with a complex medical situation,” he recalls. “We were told he would be with us for maybe a matter of hours or days. Remarkably, he lived for […]
Isn’t every holiday movie a Greater Good movie? That is to say—aren’t they all movies that highlight acts of generosity, empathy, compassion, reconciliation, or gratitude? Alas, no. Or at least, not all of them are very insightful about human goodness or adept at conveying how we become better. We’re sure most readers are familiar with the hits, […]
As the holidays get underway, many of us look for ways to make someone else’s season brighter. And there’s science behind why that makes us feel so good. Research shows that acts of generosity — from gift giving to financial support — increase happiness more than spending on ourselves. At Better, we’re dedicated to simplifying […]
One piece of my multifaceted identity is that I’m a grown grieving child. My name is Megan Andriano and I’m a 39-year-old woman who is grateful to wear multiple hats, including that of art therapist and licensed professional grief counselor. When I was 13 years old and my brother was seven, our dad died. While […]
Every October, schools, nonprofits, and communities wear orange ribbons and share hashtags for National Bullying Prevention Month. These gestures matter — they signal solidarity, compassion, and the importance of the issue. But awareness alone is not saving lives. The nation is past the point of slogans. Real change requires action. The urgency could not be […]
Ashland Avenue has been extended a second time — through Oct. 19! (Updated 10/1/25) When Jenna Fischer takes the stage in Ashland Avenue at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre (Sept. 6–Oct. 19), she’s doing more than debuting a new character. The Emmy-nominated actor — beloved as Pam Beesly on The Office and co-host of the Office Ladies […]
I meet far too many children with cancer. As Program Director at the Children’s Brain Tumor Project at Weill Cornell Medicine, and co-founder of the Ty Louis Campbell (TLC) Foundation, in memory of my son, Ty, I have built my life’s work around helping them. Ty died just after his fifth birthday, which was two […]
