Book

The Gift of Failure

How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed

Jessica Lahey

William Morrow, 2015

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Many people believe that good parents manage their children’s lives, shield them from difficulties, intervene when things get tough at school or on the playing field, protect them from schoolyard bullies, and keep them from failing. But preventing kids from falling, smoothing over obstacles and rescuing them from the consequences of their mistakes denies them the experience they need to internalize lessons about resourcefulness, social competence and resilience. Parenting expert Jessica Lahey recommends “parenting for autonomy,” which means raising resilient children who grow into confident, competent adults. getAbstract recommends her insightful information to adolescents, parents and teachers.

Take-Aways

Overprotective parenting breeds dependent children and self-centered, risk-averse adults.
“Parenting for autonomy” means raising resilient children who become self-sufficient adults.
“Autonomous” children develop guiding principles through trial and error.

About the Author

Jessica Lahey is a teacher in New Hampshire, a columnist for The New York Times, and a speaker on parenting and education.

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U. 1. 8 years ago

Good advice

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