Setting the Bar

Preparing Our Kids to Thrive in an Era of Distraction, Dependency, and Entitlement

By: Shane Trotter

Narrated by: Shane Trotter

Criticizing the newest generation is a tradition as old as time. But there is truly something worrisome about the trends we are seeing in today's kids.

You've likely had this intuition yourself as you side-eye that family across the restaurant-kids and parents alike hunched over their individual devices. Or maybe you've bemoaned the decline of childhood hallmarks like pick-up games and biking across town-replaced by the allure of infinite entertainment, and the growing expectation that parents manage every aspect of their kids' lives. Or perhaps you're a high-school teacher who has watched firsthand as students grow less comfortable socializing, less energized, less responsible, and less capable of setting out into the world, much less thriving in it.

It sounds progressive to dismiss these concerns, equating them with the typical brand of back in my day rhetoric. But that forgoes the opportunity for course correction at a time when it is most critical. Kids these days, like the societies they grow up in, are increasingly unhealthy, depressed, anxious, and plagued by a sense of meaninglessness. They are protected, entertained, and celebrated, but starved of something much more essential to their fulfillment.

With his diverse perspective as a decade-long educator, a respected voice in fitness coaching, and a writer featured everywhere from Quillette to Spartan, Shane Trotter synthesizes the most timeless wisdom and the most timely research to craft a unique vision of how we can adapt to create a generation that has the tools to thrive in an era marked by unprecedented change.

Blending philosophy, psychology and bold, honest storytelling, Trotter takes us on a journey to discover what has gone wrong and how we can turn the tide, both individually and collectively. Setting the Bar is an investigation into the human condition-who we are, what we need to flourish, and where we are going as a culture. This is a book for every concerned parent, teacher, or coach, and every conscientious citizen who cares about our kids and our future.

©2021 Shane Trotter (P)2021 Shane Trotter

I'm inspired!

This book could revolutionize our school system and bring our nation back to strength and harmony. Shane Trotter has a great story telling ability and makes challenging concepts fascinating. I remember my purpose

Essential Reading for 21st Century Parents

Masterfully read by the author, Trotter constructs a real-life handbook for parents to reference in the social media age of distraction by drawing upon his real-life experience and observations as a dad, coach and educator as well as by referencing relevant behavioral psychology research.

Trotter speaks plainly about the complexities of modern parenting dilemmas. He thoughtfully provides suggestions to help raise independent-minded, curious, thoughtful, and resilient future adults. Trotter sincerely wants to help readers and obviously accepts his imperfections so you will not feel shamed or “less than” when reading this.

A Must Read

Brilliant and thoughtful book that examines our current societal norms and offers guidance rooted in philosophical and biological principles.

Silky smooth

Amazing book that should be read by every would be parent, coach, teacher, mentor, or more broadly…human. This book really lays down a ground work for what I believe to be a great way to live. The pursuit of arete is something we should all strive for. Also, Shane’s voice is pretty sexy raspy in that Barry White sorta way.

Eye Opening, Objective, Productive Truths

Recommend for every future & current parent, grandparent, mentor, coach, teacher & employer.

Objective & diverse look at the realities of our educational system; immediate realistic changes needed to reduce the devastating,distracting impact of social hyper-normal stimuli; essential role of parents in preparing our children to thrive in the learning process & timeless wisdom for grasping the struggles necessary to prepare our children to thrive in adulthood. So much more… This is not a read or listen to once kind of book. This is packed with timeless pearls of wisdom for everyone in our society.

An interesting insight into current education

the author relies heavily on biological evolution as a cause for many of our issues today, I see that as a fault, I am sure many others won't. the book is read by the author and it suffers from a poor microphone or studio space, unsure which. the content is overall a decent idea put forth on how to progress public schools into something better, although the author still takes the position that the government should be teaching your children about sex and identity, which I disagree with.
education should teach what is important, history, science, math and current affairs.
it's a good book all in all.