How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World

by Stephanie Malia Krauss, Manuel Herrera

Overwhelmed and overworked—and caring for kids who feel the same?


We weren′t made to live like 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.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2026

About the author

Stephanie Malia Krauss is a mom, educator, and social worker. Eight years ago, she left her work in schools because she knew that helping students earn a high school diploma was not the same as getting them ready for adulthood. Since then, she has been on a mission to figure out what kids really need to survive and thrive in these uncharted times and our rapidly changing world.

Stephanie writes about parenting and education for Scary Mommy, Youth Today, Medium, and more. She is the author of Making It: What Today's Kids Need for Tomorrow's World, the owner of First Quarter Strategies, a senior advisor to Jobs for the Future, and a consultant for the Youth Transition Funders Group. You can learn more about Stephanie at www.stephaniemaliakrauss.com and find her on Twitter @stephanie_malia.