How We Thrive
Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World
Overwhelmed and overworked—and caring for kids who feel the same?
We weren't made to live like this: It's time to start "rehumaning" our lives.
Right now, kids and adults are trying to thrive amid the daily grind, addictive technology, crowded calendars, and rising uncertainty. It's an impossible task—and it's taking a toll.
Bestselling author Stephanie Malia Krauss offers a lifeline. With her signature blend of relatable storytelling and deeply researched insights, How We Thrive explores 14 timeless human essentials of body, mind, heart, and spirit that safeguard health and humanity—things like play, wonder, belonging, and creativity that have sustained humans for millennia. Inside, you'll find
- Wisdom from 100+ leading experts in health, neuroscience, psychology, and human development
- Inspiring success stories from schools, summer camps, and community programs
- Science-backed strategies to counter overwhelm and support well-being at every stage of life
- Rehumaning practices that work wherever you are, in as little as one minute
- Beautiful illustrations and sketchnotes that make complex ideas memorable and meaningful
- Reflection prompts and real-life examples that inspire and motivate change
How We Thrive reveals time-honored truths about what matters most—and shows how reclaiming the innate essentials changes everything. When the frenzied pace of modern life threatens to deplete you and the kids in your life, this book equips you to fight back and reclaim who you were born to be.
“Stephanie Malia Krauss's new book, How We Thrive, offers a compelling whole child framework for supporting body, mind, heart, and spirit. It’s a timely contribution, especially in the Age of AI, and offers a vision for “rehumaning” our lives by protecting and prioritizing the human essentials. In a world defined by constant change and disruption, Krauss moves beyond the traditional focus on resilience to explore what it truly means to thrive. This book provides a deeply human and practical guide for parents, educators, and mentors, showing them how to care for the young people in their lives—and themselves—by fostering skills like adaptability, agency, and a sense of purpose. It's an essential read for anyone committed to building a brighter future for the next generation.”
“Our students, parents, and communities know that afterschool and summer programs are a necessity because they keep kids safe, support working parents, and inspire learning. Stephanie Malia Krauss provides evidence that demonstrates why holistic programs are so effective. The play, creativity, connection, and purpose we build into quality programs are backed by decades of research. How We Thrive gives every adult working with young people a powerful framework for creating the conditions where kids thrive now and into the future. It also arms advocates with research to make the case for more of our children to have access to these essential programs."
"For those of us devoted to the camp movement, this book feels like coming home. Stephanie Malia Krauss reminds us that play, rest, connection, creativity, contribution, and belonging are not luxuries. They are the conditions under which children—and adults—grow strong, joyful, and resilient. I encourage every educator, parent, and youth-development professional to read this book and draw from the simple, powerful truths it contains to help our children thrive."
“How We Thrive is a guidebook for weathering the storms of modern life, reminding us that when we care for ourselves, we teach children how to flourish.”
“How We Thrive is such an important book right now—it’s a reminder to get off your phone, get out there, notice, play, and have fun. You can start wherever it draws you in and makes you want to try something—by yourself, with your family, or with friends! But most of all, the message is clear— to thrive you must continue to look in new directions.”