The Self-Driven Child

The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control over Their Lives

By: William Stixrud PhD, Ned Johnson

Narrated by: Kaleo Griffith

“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.

From the authors of Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child and What Do You Say, 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.

Powerful Parenting

Every parent and educator should read this book! it's message when put into practice could be transformational for teenage well being. The research shared is practical and empowering!

Read it Now

I recommend this book to everyone, even if you don’t have children, or never plan to have children. I challenge everyone to read this book and not hear the story of their own life, struggles, and ups and downs. This is a book for people who want to think about how to improve their own lives as much as the lives of their children.

Staple for any parenting

I was in utter amazement with this book. I always thought to not be over controlling in my children’s life. This book helped me to realize areas I needed to make a change. Very insightful, and detailed. Loved the studies that backed brain development. Many parents are not aware of the effects sleep plays on development. I personally was stunned by the lack of control effect. This book should be a parenting bible!

EXCEPTIONAL!!!

Don't lose hope with your children's progress or choices!

Trust that with your example, raising them with basic skills of discipline and self-help and Faith in God and in what's true and good that they will always find their way to their true path.

This books really helps drive these points home and more.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the hope and inspiration that this book has brought to me!!

perfect parenting book

I have listened twice and hope to listen again when the kids are in high school. (note to self: look for relevant chapters related to SATs etc) Information is delivered in an interesting and story driven manner. really enjoyed the book it will help us parent and help my kids thrive - I have no doubt. What could be worth more?