The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives

The Self-Driven Child, authored by clinical neuropsychologist Bill Stixrud and motivational coach Ned Johnson, puts together a compelling mix of cutting-edge discoveries in neurology and behavioural therapy and findings derived from thousands of case studies the authors have participated in, on a quest to reveal the secret to good parenting.

Micromanaging children’s lives, helicopter parents, etc. are common occurrences in all sorts of families, and Ned and Bill have cited it as a key reason to children’s lack of motivation and zest in their studies and later in their lives their careers. Kids are stressed out from many things in daily life, such as peer pressure exacerbated by social media, increasing academic competitiveness and expectations, etc. Despite it all, a critical source of stress comes however from a lack of control, hijacked by hovering parents whose concerns are often acted out in ways that will do more harm than good.

Therefore, The Self-Driven Child is perfect for parents who are looking for parenting methods that is more supportive than controlling, who aim to become authoritative consultants that help their child navigate the complex fabric of life and learn to cope with and grow through different forms of stress. The role of parents is not to force children ‘to follow the track we’ve laid out for them’, rather, it is to ‘help them develop the skills to figure out the track that’s right for them’. Parents are encouraged to empower their children at different stages of their growth trajectory, to act as guide and support to help them find the right path. After all, it is their life, and they are the only ones who can decide what is their version of a happy, successful life.