By Dr. Regina McDuffie

As a parent and Head of School at The Pegasus School, I understand the overwhelming urge to protect our children. We want to shield them from discomfort, from danger, from sadness. And yet, we also want them to grow strong, resilient, and capable. 

Navigating this balance is harder than ever. Technology has made us more globally connected, but in many ways, it has left our children more isolated and uncertain.

On May 14, I had the privilege of hosting a well-attended and well-received book talk at Pegasus with Dr. Alison Englar-Carlson about The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This powerful book resonates deeply with anyone raising or working with children in today’s complex, fast-paced world. Dr. Englar-Carlson, Pegasus’ Educational Psychologist, echoed the book’s message as she shared her expertise and experience with those who are struggling with anxiety. Children are growing up in a culture that often undermines the essential work of developing confidence, an important outcome of a Pegasus education.  

Our conversation reminded me of how much we all want to get this right and how hard that can be. There is no perfect formula for raising emotionally healthy children in today’s world, but there are powerful mindsets we can adopt to guide us. At Pegasus, we are cultivating these mindsets by promoting student agency and creating opportunities for students to ask questions, make decisions, lead their learning, and reflect on their progress. 

This comes to life across grade levels; whether it’s our pre-K students creating artwork for display in a public gallery to an authentic audience, our second graders having an immersive Ellis Island experience, where they step into the roles of immigrants and to understand historical perspectives, or our 6th grade Cool Globes project, where students research environmental challenges and propose creative solutions to inspire change. 

Throughout their Pegasus journey, students also maintain digital portfolios, allowing them to track their growth, set goals, and reflect on their learning and growth. These experiences empower students to see themselves not just as learners, but as thinkers, creators, and contributors to a larger world. 

Our program is structured to support students in academic excellence and the deep thinking they will need to navigate a world we cannot yet predict. At the same time, we recognize that academics and student agency cannot flourish without emotional safety. That’s why we are equally committed to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of our students. 

Pegasus’ robust social-emotional learning (SEL) program is woven into the fabric of school life and is supported by our dedicated School Counselor and Educational Psychologist who work closely with students, teachers, and families. We intentionally and specifically teach social and emotional skills across all grade levels, beginning in the early years with the Kimochis program. This playful approach helps young children learn to identify their own emotions, recognize the feelings of others, and build the foundational language and empathy skills needed to form healthy relationships. 

We build upon that foundation through our digital citizenship curriculum and partnership with The Social Institute starting in Grade 4. These engaging, age-appropriate lessons teach students how to navigate social media and technology by exploring and understanding their online choices, supporting guided discussions around peer pressure and friendship dynamics and encouraging students to reflect on what matters to them and how they can be a positive influence in their school and community. These lessons empower students to practice responsible decision-making, develop self-awareness, and strengthen their interpersonal skills in real-world scenarios. Through these layered and intentional efforts, we help our students develop emotional resilience and the tools to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.

The challenges of educating and raising children are real. Together we can prepare our students to be confident and compassionate leaders who are equipped to thrive and who will stand apart from what has come to be known as the anxious generation.

In addition to The Anxious Generation, another good read for parents is:

Why Smart Kids Worry and What Parents Can Do to Help by Allison Edwards

If your child is feeling anxious and you or your child needs support, please contact our Educational Psychologist, Dr. Englar-Carlson.  

If you missed this event, you can view the slide deck and recording here.