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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Self-Driven Child summary
William Stixrud
Ned Johnson
The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
22 mins
Brief summary
The Self-Driven Child by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson is a guide for parents to help their kids become more independent, resilient, and motivated. The authors provide practical advice for fostering autonomy, purpose, and confidence in children.
Table of Contents
The Self-Driven Child
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
Children suffer from stress when they feel like everything is out of their control.
We all like to feel in control. That’s why we’re more at ease when we drive to a destination instead of flying – on a plane, our fate is in the pilot’s hands rather than our own. It’s why we like to study the menu carefully before we order.
In fact, having a sense of agency is the most important factor when it comes to our happiness and well-being. This was the dramatic conclusion of a study done in the 1970s, which found that nursing home residents who were told that they had responsibility for their lives lived longer than those who were told that nursing staff would take care of everything.
When everything feels beyond our control, we get stressed. And stress has serious consequences for the health and well-being of children as well as adults.
The key message here is: Children suffer from stress when they feel like everything is out of their control.
Imagine a 15-year-old, named Zara, who attends an expensive private school. Her life is structured around a strict timetable. During the day, she shuttles back and forth between classes, with just a few short breaks. Then, after school, she has hockey practice and volunteers for an environmental charity, as her parents advised her to do.
As soon as she’s home, her parents have more plans for her, starting with four hours of homework. Weekends are structured just the same: if Zara wants a little free time, she has to make sure her homework is all done.
Her parents push her because they’re desperate for her to get into an elite university. But Zara suffers from migraines. She’s not sleeping well. And she frequently gets into screaming fights with her parents.
Is all of this “for her own good,” as her parents claim? Of course not. Constantly being told what to do both at home and at school causes children to suffer from stress and anxiety. This kind of toxic stress can impair a critical stage of brain development, which happens between the ages of 12 and 18. This could lead to long-term mental and physical health problems.
The problem is widespread, and it affects affluent households – in which the pressure on children to achieve tends to be particularly high – most of all. In fact, a recent study found that 80 percent of students at one elite Silicon Valley high school suffered from anxiety caused by stress.
So what can parents do differently? We’ll find out in the next blink.
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What is The Self-Driven Child about?
The Self-Driven Child (2018) shows us how our instinct to control our children’s lives can result in stressed-out, uncooperative, and poorly motivated kids. Instead, the book argues, we should try to help our children come to informed decisions themselves – and trust them to make the big calls.
The Self-Driven Child Review
The Self-Driven Child (2018) is an insightful book that sheds light on the importance of autonomy and motivation in raising resilient children. Here's why we think you should give it a read:
- Offers practical strategies backed by scientific research that empower parents to foster independence and intrinsic motivation in their children.
- Addresses the anxiety and stress that many parents and children face in today's high-pressure society, providing guidance on how to navigate these challenges.
- With its engaging stories and relatable anecdotes, the book remains captivating and relevant, ensuring that the topic remains anything but dull.
Who should read The Self-Driven Child?
- Parents of stressed, overworked kids
- Child psychologists and pediatricians
- Anyone interested in the complex dynamics between parent and child
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The Self-Driven Child FAQs
What is the main message of The Self-Driven Child?
The main message of The Self-Driven Child is that children thrive when they have autonomy, competence, and a sense of connection.
How long does it take to read The Self-Driven Child?
The reading time for The Self-Driven Child varies depending on your speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Self-Driven Child a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Self-Driven Child is a valuable read for parents and educators. It provides practical insights and strategies to help children develop motivation and resilience.
Who is the author of The Self-Driven Child?
The authors of The Self-Driven Child are William Stixrud and Ned Johnson.
What to read after The Self-Driven Child?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Self-Driven Child, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Yes Brain by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey
- How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims
- The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch
- Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Amen MD Daniel G. & Charles Fay
- The Conscious Parent by Shefali Tsabary
- Unlocking Parental Intelligence by Laurie Hollman
- The Humor Habit by Paul Osincup
- 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan