Contents
Courageous Parenting—Taking the Long View
Authentic Success: It’s Not About Bleeding Hearts Versus Tiger Moms
The Kids Are Not Alright (and Neither Are Their Parents)
How Did We Get into This Mess?
The “School Years” Are Not Just About Academics: A Primer on Child Development
The Tasks of the Elementary School Years: Ages 5–11
Learning How to Make Friends and Be a Friend
Becoming Competent and Excited About Learning
Developing a Sense of Self: Who Am I?
General Recommendations for Parenting Your Elementary School Age Child
The Tasks of the Middle School Years: Ages 11–14
The Tasks of the High School Years: Ages 14–18
The Resilience Factor: Seven Essential Coping Skills
Teaching Our Kids to Find Solutions
Resourcefulness: “I can handle this” instead of “Mom . . .”
Enthusiasm: “I love this” instead of “Whatever”
Creativity: “Let’s look at this differently” not “What’s the right answer?”
A Good Work Ethic: “I’m going to keep at it” instead of “I quit”
Teaching Our Kids to Take Action
Self-Control: “It just doesn’t feel right” instead of “All the kids are doing it”
Self-Esteem: “I feel good about myself” instead of “I suck”
Self-Efficacy: “I can make a difference” instead of “Nothing I do matters”
Walking the Talk
Defining and Living Your Family Values: A Paper and Pencil Exercise
Editing the Script: Becoming the Parents We Want to Be
Denial: “Problem? What problem?”
Projection: “Yeah, they’ve got a problem, not me”
Peer Pressure: It’s Not Just for Teenagers
Is Parenting Hereditary? “I can’t believe I sound just like my mother”
The Trinity of Change: Self-Reflection, Empathy, and Flexibility