Thrivers

The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine

By: Michele Borba Ed D.

Narrated by: Michele Borba Ed D.

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

The best-selling author of UnSelfie explains why the old markers of accomplishment (grades, test scores) are no longer reliable predictors of success in the 21st century - and offers seven teachable traits that will safeguard our kids for the future.

Michele Borba has been a teacher, educational consultant, and parent for 40 years - and she's never been more worried than she is about this current generation of kids. The high-achieving students she talks with every day are more accomplished, better educated, and more privileged than ever before. They're also more stressed, unhappier, and struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout at younger and younger ages - "we're like pretty packages with nothing inside," said one young teen.

Thrivers are different: They flourish in our fast-paced, digital-driven, often uncertain world. Why? Dr. Borba combed scientific studies on resilience, spoke to dozens of researchers/experts in the field and interviewed more than 100 young people from all walks of life, and she found something surprising: The difference between those who struggle and those who succeed comes down not to grades or test scores, but to seven character traits that set Thrivers apart (and set them up for happiness and greater accomplishment later in life).

These traits - confidence, empathy, self-control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance, and optimism - will allow kids to roll with the punches and succeed in life. And the even better news: These traits can be taught to children at any age...in fact, parents and educations must do so. In Thrivers, Dr. Borba offers practical, actionable ways to develop these traits in children from preschool through high school, showing how to teach kids how to cope today so they can thrive tomorrow.

*This audiobook includes a PDF of a character strength assessment and a core asset survey.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Michele Borba (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“People say, ‘I wish kids would come with a manual.’ Well now they do. If you want to get parenting right, pick up this book.” (Dr. Phil)

“Thrivers shows the urgency in updating current parenting and educational practices to follow science so children will have the potential to thrive and become their personal best.” (Psychology Today)

“Thrivers offers both science-based information and respectful, practical, and effective tools. Full of activities and ideas to cultivate the skills and mindset kids need to thrive, Borba encourages parents to use everyday moments to respond in ways that build relational and neural connections to promote optimal development, independence, and success. More than ever, our children need us to parent in ways that promote growth and resilience in the face of adversity, and Thrivers can serve as an essential guide.” (Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, New York Times best-selling coauthor of The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, The Yes Brain, and The Power of Showing Up, and author of The Bottom Line for Baby)

So many words of wisdom

Easy to apply for kids today. Will be buying the paperback to make notes. Thanks!

Great listen for teachers and parents

Kids are changing and so are their needs. This book gave wonderful insight into todays youth and gave loads of actionable steps to help assist all adolescents as a teacher, mentor, or parent.

A must read for parents

Well researched, amazing biographies and stories, thought provoking, and highly practical recommendations. a must read!

What I can do to help my child become a Thriver

I liked all the ideas that were given in the book. I wish I had the information earlier.

Probably the best of these types of books

Pros: cites sources, good advice, well argued, author is very experienced.

Cons: slight fear mongering, key traits seem exclusive (like you can only thrive with these 7 traits), all examples of "success" are things like "class president" or "successful inventor at age 6" or "Einstein" which is contrary tonher argument

Great for parents to help kids

I found this to be great information to help my kids become better and help them grow into strong, confident and resilient adults.

Helpful research and advice about what’s really important

Helpful research and advice about what’s really important in parenting. A little dense, I kind of wanted the print version so I could take notes and underline key passages. It’s kind of geared toward helicopter tiger moms, but I would recommend for all parents.

BEST PARENTING BOOK IVE EVEE READ

just finished it and want to start it again!! Absolutely a must read for ALL parents today ❤️

This book is essential

As a seasoned teacher and mother of two teenage boys, Dr, Botha has given me hope, information, and tools to continue to help mold thriving humans... thank you!

In uncertain times, raise kids on purpose with purpose.

I found this book to be motivating and inspiring. My focus with my daughters this summer is on building up their self esteem so they know their worth in the face of adversity, fickle friendships, finding the good in the world to keep them moving forward, and loving themselves knowing they have the ability to make a difference. This book offered so many great insights. Thank you!