In 'The Myth of the Spoiled Child,' Alfie Kohn challenges the pervasive belief that modern parenting is creating a generation of entitled kids. He presents compelling evidence that today's children are actually more empathetic and community-minded than ever before. Kohn argues that the real issue is not indulgence, but rather the pressures of achievement and conformity that children face. With a mix of research and poignant anecdotes, the book offers a refreshing perspective on nurturing healthy, happy children. This thought-provoking read will leave you questioning conventional parenting wisdom and inspire you to rethink your approach.
By Alfie Kohn
Published: 2016
""Children deserve love, respect, and support—not labels and expectations that confine their potential.""
A prominent and esteemed critic challenges widely held beliefs about children and parenting, revealing that underlying each myth is a deeply conservative ideology that is, ironically, often adopted by liberal parents. Somehow a set of deeply conservative assumptions about children—what they’re like and how they should be raised—has congealed into the conventional wisdom in our society. Parents are accused of being both permissive and overprotective, unwilling to set limits and afraid to let their kids fail. Alfie Kohn systematically debunks these beliefs, not only challenging erroneous factual claims but also exposing the troubling ideology that underlies them. Complaints about pushover parents and coddled kids are hardly new, he shows, and there is no evidence that either phenomenon is especially widespread today—let alone more common than in previous generations. Moreover, new research reveals that helicopter parenting is quite rare and, surprisingly, may do more good than harm when it does occur. The major threat to healthy child development, Kohn argues, is parenting that is too controlling rather than too indulgent. With the same lively, contrarian style that marked his influential books about rewards, competition, and education, Kohn relies on a vast collection of social science data, as well as on logic and humor, to challenge assertions that appear with numbing regularity in the popular press and are often accepted uncritically, even by people who are politically liberal. These include claims that young people • suffer from inflated self-esteem • are entitled and narcissistic • receive trophies, praise, and A’s too easily • are in need of more self-discipline and “grit” Kohn’s invitation to reexamine these and other assumptions is particularly timely; his book has the potential to change our culture’s conversation about kids and the people who raise them.
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“"Children deserve love, respect, and support—not labels and expectations that confine their potential."”
The Myth of the Spoiled Child
By Alfie Kohn
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Alfie Kohn is an influential author and speaker known for his work in the fields of education, psychology, and parenting. He has written more than a dozen books, including "Punished by Rewards" and "The Schools Our Children Deserve," which challenge conventional approaches to motivation and learning. Kohn advocates for more progressive teaching methods that prioritize critical thinking, intrinsic motivation, and collaboration over standardized testing and competition. His writings have been featured in various publications, and he frequently speaks at conferences and workshops across the globe. With a deep commitment to fostering a more humane and equitable society, Kohn continues to inspire educators and parents to rethink traditional practices in education and parenting.
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