Summary of The Self-Driven Child

Written by Stanford University psychiatrist William Stixrud and clinical psychologist Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child is a groundbreaking guide to raising successful and confident children in the 21st century. It provides an eye-opening look at what kids need to reach their full potential: the freedom to direct their own lives and to develop the skills and resilience they need to face challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world. Drawing on cutting-edge brain research and decades of experience as both doctors and parents, the authors explain why our traditional “authoritative” parenting approach - where we give our kids orders and expect them to listen - is not the best way to foster a healthy sense of self-control and self-direction. Instead, the book offers an innovative blueprint for how to “step back” and let our children take the wheel as they find their own goals, develop their own interests, and manage their own lives - while still giving them the guidance and support they need to create their own paths.