As we get ready to commemorate International Day of Families on May 15th, there’s no better time to reflect on the vital role family plays in shaping our lives.
This year, we are honored to speak with Angie Lau, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of ASRV’s Life Beyond School.
With her unwavering commitment to preparing the next generation for a technology-driven future, Angie brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into family engagement and the importance of fostering meaningful conversations within the home.
Join us as we explore her experiences, perspectives, and invaluable advice on nurturing resilience, creativity, and open dialogue in families today.
1. What is one of your fondest childhood memories with your family?
Angie: It was a two-week camping trip, and one of my greatest core memories happened when a massive storm completely collapsed our tent. I was nine. The books I'd brought were soaked. I was devastated. It was dark, it was wet, it was a disaster. And yet, in that darkness, we figured it out together. I knew I was safe. I knew that whatever happened, we would get through it, as a family. There were so many moments like that. Small moments, mini-disasters, each one quietly building a muscle memory that no matter what happens, we have the agency to figure it out. Together.
2. How has your career in journalism shaped your views on family communication?
Angie: It's all about curiosity and the art of the question. Asking rather than demanding. Which, honestly, is one of the hardest things to do as a parent. We default to commands because they save time. But that time saved often comes at a real cost. We truncate understanding. And the investment we make in how we communicate with our children is one of the most important ones we'll ever make, if we want to raise humans who are curious, thoughtful, and fully alive to the world around them.
3. What key values do you hope to pass down to the next generation?
Angie: I hope our children grow up knowing they already have everything they need to face the challenges ahead: agency, resilience, and genuine empathy for each other. The world doesn't need them to be perfect. It needs them to believe in their own capacity to show up, adapt, and care.
4. Should families be concerned about AI's impact on relationships?
Angie: AI is already reshaping relationships, and we need to be honest about that. When a child asks: "Why is the sky blue?" or "Why do stars shine?" that question is never really about the answer. It is about the bond. The trust. The chance to laugh, wonder, and learn together. If we outsource those moments to a machine, we don't just lose the answer, we lose the relationship being built around it. The most important things families do together, brainstorming a problem, making a decision, leading through uncertainty, are not things we can or should hand to AI. That's where family happens.
5. How can families discuss the ethical implications of AI and technology?
Angie: AI is a remarkable tool. It has unlocked access to information in ways the internet never could, instantly, fluently, with a kind of authority that can feel unquestionable. Except that it can be wrong. And that's the conversation we need to have. The ethical question isn't really about the technology. It's about us. Are we outsourcing our thinking? Are we asking less of ourselves and our children because AI makes it easy not to try? In our home, AI isn't the enemy. But choosing to let it think for you, that is. We still learn math even though calculators exist, right? We still read even though screens do the talking. Because the experience of learning something for yourself is irreplaceable. Those are the conversations worth having at your dinner table. My parents taught me that education is the most valuable thing you can have... once you know it, they can never take it away from you. And that remains even more true in today's AI world.
6. How can families turn everyday moments into teachable experiences that build resilience and creativity?
Angie: This is a question I hope every family asks itself! Every single moment is an opportunity, and every parent and caregiver has the power to reframe what's happening in front of them. Spilled milk. A wrong turn. Getting lost. These aren't failures, they're the curriculum. Your child is always watching, and they're learning far more from how you respond than from anything you say. When your child struggles, resist the urge to step in immediately. Encourage them from the sidelines. Let them wrestle with it. Because when they finally figure it out on their own, they don't just solve the problem, they earn confidence. They develop agency, creativity, and resilience. And those are the muscles that will carry them through life.
7. What advice would you give parents on fostering open dialogue and impactful communication during family time?
Angie: First, give yourself grace. You're doing better than you think! We're not perfect; we're perfectly human. And the most powerful thing you can model for your child is self-compassion and acceptance. From there, it's simple: ask questions. Without judgment. Stay curious. Try open-ended prompts like "Then what happened?" or "Why do you think that is?" or simply "Wow, tell me more." That's it. That's the magic. At Life Beyond School, we know it's not always easy to find the right words in the moment, and that's exactly why we designed our cards the way we did. They're rooted in research and methodology, and they're built to meet you where you are, so you can meet your child where they are. You are your child's most important guide. The cards are simply there to remind you of that.
8. How do you balance work commitments and quality family time?
Angie: I schedule it, and I protect it! And whenever I have a choice, I default to the fun. Work will always be there. I used to sacrifice everything in its pursuit, and it paid off in many ways, but I've also learned, the hard way, that to do great work you have to take care of yourself. Sleep. Exercise. Presence. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Quality family time isn't separate from that, it is self-care. And it's one of the most important leadership investments you'll make. Trust is built in the small moments: playing a game your child wants to play, doing something on their terms. At LBS, we say it simply: to build a muscle, you have to exercise it. That's true for children. And it's true for us.
In a world increasingly influenced by technology, the conversations we have within our families become more essential than ever. Angie Lau’s insights remind us that it is not only about surviving the challenges we face but also about thriving together as a unit. By fostering curiosity, resilience, and empathy, we can empower the next generation to navigate the complexities of life with confidence. As we celebrate families this International Day of Families, let us commit to nurturing those connections and engaging in meaningful dialogue—because it is in these moments that we truly build the foundations for a brighter, more compassionate future. You can also find Life Beyond School sets on our website, designed to facilitate these important conversations and enhance family engagement.
