How to Promote Independence in Children (Abigail Shrier)

An independent child doing work on their own

How can you promote independence in children? Is there a level of independence that is considered too dangerous for young people? In Bad Therapy, Abigail Shrier writes that children need time away from adult supervision to develop properly. This could mean letting children solve problems on their own or allowing them to participate in activities without your intervention. Here’s how you can push your child to be more independent so they don’t have to rely on you.

Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier: Book Overview & Takeaways

A woman wearing an orange sweater reading a book

Can mental health treatments ever be harmful for children? What’s Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier about? In Bad Therapy, Abigail Shrier lays out her argument for why mental health treatments aren’t helping young people. She also discusses how well-intentioned interventions by parents, schools, and mental health professionals can damage youth mental health. Read more in our brief overview of Bad Therapy.

Advice for Young Athletes: A Balanced Approach to Excellence

A smiling young golfer with blond hair, a white and gray cap, and a blue polo shirt illustrates advice for young athletes

What does it take to build a successful athletic career that stands the test of time? How can young athletes avoid burnout while maximizing their potential? In The Unstoppable Athlete, Andrew Simpson shares valuable advice for young athletes about balancing passion with longevity. His insights cover everything from the dangers of early specialization to proven strategies for maintaining motivation throughout an athletic career. Keep reading to discover practical guidance that can help transform athletic ambitions into lasting achievements.

13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do—Book Overview

A cartoon image of a woman on a couch in a living room reading a book and smiling.

Why should you let your child experience hardship? How can you prevent your child from acting like a victim? Why shouldn’t you try to cheer your child up when they’re sad? There are countless books telling parents how to give their children the best possible upbringing, but psychotherapist Amy Morin realized that there were few—if any—warning parents about what not to do. That’s why she wrote 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, describing 13 common mistakes and how to avoid them. Continue reading for an overview of Morin’s game-changing parenting book.

Why You Should Avoid a Perfectionist Parenting Style

A father giving his young daughter a high-five on a plain orange background, representing the avoidance of a perfectionist parenting style

Do you expect your child to get all As in school? Is it good to set high expectations for your child? In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin says that a perfectionist parenting style is potentially damaging to your child. Mentally strong parents realize that everybody has different strengths and that mistakes are necessary for growth. Here’s why you should encourage your child, but not push them too far.

How to Teach Responsibility to Your Children at a Young Age

A cartoon image of a young boy standing in a clean bedroom while holding a broom, representing teaching responsibilities to your children

Why is teaching responsibility to your children so important? How early should you start? What are the benefits? In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, psychotherapist and mental strength trainer Amy Morin stresses the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility in your children. Responsible children grow up to be more self-reliant, empathetic, and more. Here’s how to set your child up for success.

Technology Addiction in Youth: How Adults Can Prevent It

A young teenage boy looking at his phone in the classroom as a representation of technology addiction in youth

Is technology addiction in youth something we should be concerned about? Why are children more susceptible to addiction? Children and young people are especially vulnerable to addiction because they haven’t yet developed the adult capacity for self-control. Addiction can have worse consequences for children and adolescents, too, because it disrupts normal psychological development. Continue reading to learn how to protect the next generation from a technology addiction.

Why Overprotective Parenting Is Setting Your Child Back

A mother holding an umbrella over her daughter in the rain, representing overprotective parenting

Why should you let your children experience hardship? What can happen if your children don’t learn to handle pain? According to psychotherapist Amy Morin, being an overprotective parent who handles your children’s problems will cause more issues for them in the long run. Children need to learn how to overcome struggles and build confidence. Here’s why you need to learn to step back and let your child struggle, even though it’s difficult.

Punishment vs. Discipline: Which Is Most Effective as a Parent?

A young boy sitting in a chair in a living room looking sad, representing punishment vs. discipline in parenting

What’s the difference between punishment and discipline? Which one should you be using on your children? While often confused, discipline and punishment are not the same thing. Discipline is the act of teaching your child whereas punishment is making your child suffer for a mistake. Punishments are unhelpful and can oftentimes make situations worse. Continue reading for a deeper look into punishment vs. discipline when it comes to parenting.

How Teach Your Child That It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

A young child in a kitchen accidently pouring milk onto a counter, learning that it's okay to make mistakes

Does your child know that it’s okay to make mistakes? Do you try to fix your child’s mistakes for them? In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin stresses the importance of not fixing your child’s mistakes for them. Children need to learn that there are consequences to their actions, otherwise they’ll keep making the same mistakes. Here’s how to help your child develop resilience.