Opinion Today: One thing parents can control

And why it matters.

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story April 17, 2024 By Susannah Meadows Senior Staff Editor It's one of the tougher parenting realizations — facing the fact that we can't insulate our children from the cruelty of the world. And as much as we may try, we can't even protect our kids from our own inevitable failures. But in a guest essay this week, Esau McCaulley offers a little hope to parents. He reminds us that while sadness will always find a way to our children, we can also supply joy to counteract it. It's one of the few things we can control as parents. In that spirit, McCaulley took his 9-year-old son, a huge soccer fan, to see his first Premier League match in Britain. "Watching Peter's eyes widen as he approached the stadium, joy emanating from his tiny frame, was like that first ray of light after a downpour," McCaulley wrote. Of course, it's impossible to know what kind of impact an experience like that will have on children or if they'll even remember it. There is only so much we can do. (Another hard lesson you learn as a parent.) "Parents can only make deposits of joy. We cannot control when our children will make the withdrawals," McCaulley wrote. "But that day he was happy, and knowing that will have to be enough." Read the guest essay Gabriel Zimmer Studio One Thing Parents Can Control As parents, we cannot shield our sons and daughters from the world's cruelty or our failures, but we can try to counter those things. By Esau McCaulley Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks Guest Essay The Israeli Censorship Regime Is Growing. That Needs to Stop. Barring outside journalists from Gaza and the killings of those covering the war must stop. By Jodie Ginsberg More From Opinion round table 'It's a Very Winnable Case': Three Writers Dissect the Trump Trial Debate and analysis about the case, jury selection and anticipation for a potential witness. By David French, Mary McCord and Ken White Ross Douthat The Real Path to an American Civil War Not just a deepening of present discontents, but a dramatic crash or rupture. By Ross Douthat The Editorial Board Donald Trump and American Justice Donald Trump is enjoying the same guarantees of fairness and due process before the law that he sought to deny to others during his term. By The Editorial Board Farah Stockman Venezuelans Are Suffering, but More Sanctions Won't Help The Biden administration wants to lift damaging oil sanctions but is caught in a political bind with Venezuela's dictator. By Farah Stockman Guest Essay Donald Trump's Secret Shame About New York City Haunts His Trial For a kid from Queens who never quite conquered Manhattan, this trial is a fitting homecoming. By Elizabeth Spiers The Opinions Have Faith in the Trump Trial Jurors Jesse Wegman on why "the system is operating as intended." 5 MIN LISTEN Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT Thomas L. Friedman How to Be Pro-Palestinian, Pro-Israeli and Pro-Iranian Support leadership change in Iran, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Without that, there's zero chance for resolution. By Thomas L. Friedman The Assault on American Jews Is Getting Worse A new survey shows a significant jump in antisemitic incidents. By Bret Stephens letters Gains and Losses: Dr. Bob and the Realities of Aging Responses to a front-page story about an aging doctor. Also: Donald Trump's snooze in court; women vs. Trump; free speech's limits; the gun show We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving Opinion Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018