Resources for Stoic families

George Long's translation of selected lectures from the Discourses, followed by the complete Enchiridion (Handbook), free on Project Gutenberg. A good first stop for parents who want to read the dichotomy of control in Epictetus' own words.

The Handbook on its own, in Higginson's translation (a 1948 edition with an introduction by Albert Salomon), on Project Gutenberg. Short enough to read in one sitting, and handy for comparing with Long's wording.

Short passages from Epictetus chosen and arranged by Crossley, plus the Hymn of Cleanthes, on Project Gutenberg. Good for busy parents who prefer to read a few lines at a time.

The full Meditations in George Long's translation, free on Project Gutenberg in several ebook formats. The emperor's private reminders to himself, written in short entries you can read in any order.

The same Long translation on MIT's Internet Classics Archive, split into one web page per book. Useful for reading or linking to a single book on a phone.

Gummere's Loeb Classical Library translation (1917–1925) of Seneca's letters, free on Wikisource with a contents page linking each letter. The letters are short and personal, so one makes a good evening read.

Stewart's translation of Seneca's essays on Project Gutenberg, including Of Anger, Of Peace of Mind and Of the Shortness of Life. Parents will find Seneca's evening self-review in Of Anger, Book 3, section 36.

A thorough scholarly overview of the school's history, sources, physics, logic and ethics, including the passions, the good feelings and oikeiosis. Best for readers who want depth and are happy with academic prose.

A scholarly guide to Epictetus' life, works and main ideas, including volition (prohairesis), emotions and our duties to family. Clear on how his Discourses and Enchiridion relate.

An in-depth entry on Seneca's writings and philosophy, from the Letters and essays to his ideas about emotion, death and the study of nature. For readers who want to go beyond the Letters.

A scholarly look at Marcus' life and the unusual character of the Meditations, a private notebook written for his own moral improvement. Explains why the book reads as reminders rather than arguments.

A broad introduction covering the school's history, the cardinal virtues, apatheia, the modern revival and a short glossary of Stoic terms. A little more accessible than the Stanford entry.

A concise entry on Stoic ethics: oikeiosis, the virtues and their sub-virtues, the passions and the good feelings. Helpful for parents who want the core ideas without the physics and logic.

An annual, free online course that invites anyone to “live like a Stoic for a week,” with daily guidance and before-and-after questionnaires. Run by Modern Stoicism, which began the project at a 2012 workshop at the University of Exeter.

A free version of Stoic Week designed for school-age students, available all year as a downloadable handbook with a teacher's guide. Suggested ages are 13 to 15, and parents can adapt it for use at home.

The AAP's parenting website, organized by age and stage from pregnancy through the teen years, with sections on emotional wellness, family life and health issues. A reliable first stop for everyday parenting questions.

An AAP article on how safe, stable relationships and positive experiences help children learn to manage emotions and solve problems. Includes practical ideas such as routines, family meals and age-appropriate chores.

The AAP's guide to positive discipline: modeling, clear limits, calm consequences, listening and catching children being good. A useful companion for parents who want calm, consistent discipline.

The CDC's tips on development, positive parenting, safety and health, organized by age from infancy through the preschool years (0 to 5). For parents of young children.

A free CDC resource for parents and caregivers of 11- to 17-year-olds, with articles, videos and activities. Topics include understanding the teen years and coaching teens to recognize and manage emotions.

A free guide from Harvard's Center on the Developing Child explaining how supportive relationships and skill-building help children cope with adversity. Detailed and science-focused, but readable for parents curious about the research.

An article from the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit focused on children's mental health and learning disorders, with clinicians' advice on naming emotions, validating feelings and planning ahead for hard moments. Practical for parents of kids with big feelings.

Call, text or chat with a trained counselor any time, day or night; the service is free and confidential, with text and chat also available in Spanish. You can reach out for yourself, a friend or a loved one, including your child.

AAP guidance on getting support for a child's mental and emotional health: starting with the pediatrician, using school counselors, checking insurance and finding the right therapist. Also explains what to do if a child shows severe distress.

The National Institute of Mental Health's page on where to get immediate help and how to find a provider, through a primary care provider, federal locators, insurers or local health departments. A clear starting point for any family member.

SAMHSA's confidential and anonymous locator for state-licensed treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories. Search by location to find services near you.

A free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. It refers callers to local treatment facilities, support groups and community organizations.