OPINION There’s no substitute for in-person

Posted Friday, December 26, 2025 9:47 am

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SALLY GOLDBERG

By Sally Goldberg | Fountain Hills

OPINION – Welcome January! Ring in the new year with a great new insight. Here comes the surprise. Two key words are part of it, “self-esteem” and “relationships.”

These are the main characteristics that, as they say, “will solve the problems of the world.” Ironically, those are the two that teens and young adults stew over often. They are also the exact ones that start to be formed in the early years from birth to 3. Those qualities are old-timers that must be both guarded and fostered.

However, there is a “new kid on the block” that is formed early and that is just as important. It is “in-person.” No screen contact of any kind can or should be favored at this time. In reality, the more it shows up in the early years, the more damage it can do. As I have explained many times, Artificial Intelligence is devoid of Emotional Intelligence, the absolute most important quality that people have.

We are devoid of Artificial Intelligence and filled with both Real Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence together. Emotional Intelligence is our ace in the hole. Anything and everything we can do to support it for our children of all ages is worth its weight in gold.

Look who sets the stage! Mom and Dad. Next come their team of supporters, sometimes called “the village.” They are the siblings and grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends like neighbors, teachers and caregivers. This close network forms a solid base of love. All these people are important all the time but especially during the first three to five foundational years. That is when children form their very strong preventative skills for warding off later addictions, violence, depression and suicide!

Machines anyone? No, not here! “In-person” is it!

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