State of the Children Address

How can we reimagine the world with and for kids?

“How are the kids?” a friend asks.

My mind races through all the things happening in and around my children. They’re growing. They’re getting older. They have new things they like. They have new things they now dislike, but used to like. They got mad at me this morning because I wouldn’t let them do something they wanted. They have homework. They have friends. They have really significant challenges. They have fascinatingly complex inner lives. They —

“They’re good!” I respond.

A few years back, I ended up in the Oval Office. I knew we’d be going to Washington, D.C. and knew we’d be part of an event on the lawn of the White House, but had little hopes they would actually invite us inside. But, while outside, an agent tapped me on the shoulder and said: “President Obama would like to see you.” Gulp.

A montage of our inexplicable journey…