Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
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.
kickerdad -
Everyone jokes about Millennials - when actually think most times we are referring to iGen. We've all seen the memes . . ."Growing up I drank from a water hose, rode my bike 5 miles from home - without a helmet, and my parents didn't care where I was as long as I was home before the street lights came on." Aside from a brief dose of nostalgia for some of us the overall implication is that the current generation can't/does't/won't.
"The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt present data indicating that the iGen is the least prepared for adulthood in history - but it may not be their fault. We - the parents, the generations before, taught them to be the way they are. Noticing a substantial and thought provoking change in behavior patterns in college students beginning in 2013 freshmen, prompted the writers to dig in and investigate the phenomena - "safe spaces", "trigger warnings", words, thoughts or ideas as "traumatic", hurt feelings as "violence".
The book is divided into three sections: the first defines 3 fundamental 'untruths' that most younger people (and often older folks as well) believe in. Paradigms that define and focus their world view. Section 2 is numerous examples from around American colleges that illustrate the 'untruths'. This section also dips into how the world outside of 'college life' impacts the campus and vice-versa. Also touching out how attempting be diverse and inclusive has caused many colleges to become more homogeneous further amplfying the untruths. Section 3 presents six possible causes, as well as some suggestions for improvement.
Lukianoff and Haidt provide thoughtful considerations to quite a few things I've pondered during recent years as well as touched on a few I had not considered. Peanut bans in elementary schools? Driving your kids to school as opposed to walking or taking the bus? What happened to recess? What's with the increase in childhood and teen anxiety? or Suicide rate? Why are kids not interested in getting their drivers licenses?
Woven throughout the entire book is the explanation regarding the utilization of CBT - cognitive behavior therapy - for dealing with anxiety, stress, and cognitive perception disorders.
Great book! Easy to read with substantial references. Thoughtfully laid out with balanced, reasoned perspectives. [5/5]
"The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt present data indicating that the iGen is the least prepared for adulthood in history - but it may not be their fault. We - the parents, the generations before, taught them to be the way they are. Noticing a substantial and thought provoking change in behavior patterns in college students beginning in 2013 freshmen, prompted the writers to dig in and investigate the phenomena - "safe spaces", "trigger warnings", words, thoughts or ideas as "traumatic", hurt feelings as "violence".
The book is divided into three sections: the first defines 3 fundamental 'untruths' that most younger people (and often older folks as well) believe in. Paradigms that define and focus their world view. Section 2 is numerous examples from around American colleges that illustrate the 'untruths'. This section also dips into how the world outside of 'college life' impacts the campus and vice-versa. Also touching out how attempting be diverse and inclusive has caused many colleges to become more homogeneous further amplfying the untruths. Section 3 presents six possible causes, as well as some suggestions for improvement.
Lukianoff and Haidt provide thoughtful considerations to quite a few things I've pondered during recent years as well as touched on a few I had not considered. Peanut bans in elementary schools? Driving your kids to school as opposed to walking or taking the bus? What happened to recess? What's with the increase in childhood and teen anxiety? or Suicide rate? Why are kids not interested in getting their drivers licenses?
Woven throughout the entire book is the explanation regarding the utilization of CBT - cognitive behavior therapy - for dealing with anxiety, stress, and cognitive perception disorders.
Great book! Easy to read with substantial references. Thoughtfully laid out with balanced, reasoned perspectives. [5/5]
