In "The Self-Driven Child," authors William Stixrud and Ned Johnson unveil the transformative power of autonomy in child development. They argue that giving children ownership over their choices fosters resilience, motivation, and mental health. Through compelling research and real-life stories, the book illustrates how relinquishing control can paradoxically lead to greater success. Parents will discover practical strategies to encourage self-direction in their children, promoting a thriving, engaged mindset. Are you ready to rethink your parenting approach and unlock your child's true potential?
By William Stixrud, PhD, Ned Johnson
Published: 2019
"Kids need to feel a sense of control over their lives."
“Instead of trusting kids with choices . . . many parents insist on micromanaging everything from homework to friendships. For these parents, Stixrud and Johnson have a simple message: Stop.” —NPR “This humane, thoughtful book turns the latest brain science into valuable practical advice for parents.” —Paul Tough, New York Times bestselling author of How Children Succeed A few years ago, Bill Stixrud and Ned Johnson started noticing the same problem from different angles: Even high-performing kids were coming to them acutely stressed and lacking motivation. Many complained they had no control over their lives. Some stumbled in high school or hit college and unraveled. Bill is a clinical neuropsychologist who helps kids gripped by anxiety or struggling to learn. Ned is a motivational coach who runs an elite tutoring service. Together they discovered that the best antidote to stress is to give kids more of a sense of control over their lives. But this doesn't mean giving up your authority as a parent. In this groundbreaking book they reveal how you can actively help your child to sculpt a brain that is resilient, and ready to take on new challenges. The Self-Driven Child offers a combination of cutting-edge brain science, the latest discoveries in behavioral therapy, and case studies drawn from the thousands of kids and teens Bill and Ned have helped over the years to teach you how to set your child on the real road to success. As parents, we can only drive our kids so far. At some point, they will have to take the wheel and map out their own path. But there is a lot you can do before then to help them tackle the road ahead with resilience and imagination.
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“Kids need to feel a sense of control over their lives.”
The Self-Driven Child
By William Stixrud, PhD, Ned Johnson
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
William Stixrud, PhD, is a distinguished clinical neuropsychologist and co-author of the influential book "The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kid More Control Over Their Lives," which emphasizes the importance of autonomy in child development and offers practical strategies for parents and educators. Dr. Stixrud's work is rooted in the latest findings in neuroscience, focusing on how understanding the brain can transform approaches to parenting and education.
His writing is characterized by a balanced blend of scientific research and accessible prose, making complex concepts understandable and actionable for a wide audience. As a prominent speaker and expert in adolescent behavior, Dr. Stixrud continues to advocate for child-centered approaches that empower young people to take charge of their learning and decision-making processes.
Ned Johnson is an accomplished author, educator, and consultant known for his engaging writing on education and self-improvement. He is the co-author of the acclaimed book "Conquer the SAT," which offers strategic insights for students embarking on standardized testing. Johnson's writing is characterized by its clarity, practicality, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by students and families in today's educational landscape. He combines personal anecdotes with research-driven techniques, making his work accessible and relatable. In addition to his writing, Johnson is a sought-after speaker and has dedicated his career to helping young people achieve their academic goals. His commitment to empowering students through effective learning strategies has made a significant impact in the field of education.
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