The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting up a Generation for Failure
Author:
Genre: Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Hardcover
Author:
Genre: Politics & Social Sciences
Book Type: Hardcover
There is so much that I agree with in this book. As a 40-something childless by choice person who works with lots of "college hires", a lot of what is said validates my opinions. (Which I love). I also enjoy griping about "helicopter parents" and the over scheduling of children's lives...... criticizing other peoples' parenting is easy to do when you are childless, and a fun occasional pass time, (though maybe not kind).
Okay, okay....... (hopefully) it is obvious that the last paragraph should be taken with a grain of salt. Offended? Then you will likely not like this book, and may find its contents harmful or triggering!
In all seriousness, the authors do make a persuasive case that overprotecting children and young adults physically and emotionally does not prepare them for encountering diversity and adversity in the real world. It also harms the young people, as evidenced by increased rates of (self-reported) depression and anxiety in teens, and incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts. The content is also timely, in that it addresses our current political climate, and the largely little understood affects of social media on development. Unlike similar books, the authors do present solutions that could help reverse the coddling trend. (Though even the simplest, such as limiting screen time and confiscating phones before bedtime could be difficult to implement...... see, even though I don't have kids I am realistic and sympathetic to those who do!)
This book is written in an accessible style, and there are summations at the end of each chapter outlining the key points. The intro was weird, and there are frequent jarring diversions into the merits of cognitive behavioral therapy (including an endorsement for an $5 app that has 2 stars on the Apple app store.....)
Despite the provocative title, this book does an excellent job of addressing what has become a serious issue. Parents, young people, educators, and managers of young people in the work force will find a lot of food for thought.
Okay, okay....... (hopefully) it is obvious that the last paragraph should be taken with a grain of salt. Offended? Then you will likely not like this book, and may find its contents harmful or triggering!
In all seriousness, the authors do make a persuasive case that overprotecting children and young adults physically and emotionally does not prepare them for encountering diversity and adversity in the real world. It also harms the young people, as evidenced by increased rates of (self-reported) depression and anxiety in teens, and incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts. The content is also timely, in that it addresses our current political climate, and the largely little understood affects of social media on development. Unlike similar books, the authors do present solutions that could help reverse the coddling trend. (Though even the simplest, such as limiting screen time and confiscating phones before bedtime could be difficult to implement...... see, even though I don't have kids I am realistic and sympathetic to those who do!)
This book is written in an accessible style, and there are summations at the end of each chapter outlining the key points. The intro was weird, and there are frequent jarring diversions into the merits of cognitive behavioral therapy (including an endorsement for an $5 app that has 2 stars on the Apple app store.....)
Despite the provocative title, this book does an excellent job of addressing what has become a serious issue. Parents, young people, educators, and managers of young people in the work force will find a lot of food for thought.
