

#2014
Mentioned in 13 episodes
The Self-Driven Child
The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
Book • 2018
This book combines insights from clinical practice, educational coaching, and cutting-edge brain science to address the chronic stress and lack of motivation many children face.
Stixrud and Johnson argue that giving children more control over their lives is crucial for their development, as it enhances their motivation, resilience, and overall well-being.
The authors provide practical advice on how parents can act as consultants rather than controllers, helping children develop inner drive and intrinsic motivation through autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
The book also discusses the negative effects of excessive parental control and external motivators, and offers actionable steps for parents to implement in their daily lives.
Stixrud and Johnson argue that giving children more control over their lives is crucial for their development, as it enhances their motivation, resilience, and overall well-being.
The authors provide practical advice on how parents can act as consultants rather than controllers, helping children develop inner drive and intrinsic motivation through autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
The book also discusses the negative effects of excessive parental control and external motivators, and offers actionable steps for parents to implement in their daily lives.
Mentioned by























Mentioned in 13 episodes
Mentioned by 

as an expert on the adolescent brain and author of several books on parenting.


Aliza Pressman

151 snips
How to Raise Self-Driven Children with Dr. William Stixrud
Mentioned by 

when discussing his parenting philosophy.


Jason Fried

141 snips
#54 Jason Fried: Doing the Enough Thing
Mentioned by 

as a book about self-driven children.


Saagar Enjeti

45 snips
4/15/25: Dave Smith Sounds Off On Murray Debate And Trump Israel, Trump Tariff Class War, Saagar's Huge Announcement
Mentioned by 

as a book that complements her parenting philosophy.


Janet Lansbury

29 snips
In an Age of Anxiety, How to Stop Worrying and Raise Less Stressed Kids (with Dr. William Stixrud)
Mentioned by 

as a book on parenting.


Ryan Holiday

19 snips
Don’t Be Scared By Things Like This | 10 Stoic Parenting Tips
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

in the context of learning to let go of control as children grow up.

Ginny Yurich

14 snips
1KHO 529: Tantrums Are an Emotional Poop | Devon Kuntzman, Transforming Toddlerhood
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book written by the podcast guests.

Ginny Yurich

14 snips
1KHO 451: Trust Your Kids More and Worry About Them Less | Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, The Self-Driven Child
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as providing the premise that lack of control is one of the most anxiety producing things that can happen to someone.

Ginny Yurich

1KHO 489: Why Modern Childhood Is Failing Kids' Bodies and Brains | Angela Hanscom, Balanced and Barefoot
Recommended by ![undefined]()

for its insights into self-directed education.

Hannah Frankman

My Top Book Recommendations for Homeschoolers Part 2
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book he co-authored with Dr. William Stixrud, offering insights into raising self-driven children.

Ned Johnson

The SAT, ACT, and Other Four-Letter Words: What Do You Say When Your Kid's Scores are Low?
Recommended by 

as a great book on raising self-driven children.


Samantha Holiday

10 Stoic Parenting Tips | Tom Segura's Parenting Reflections
Mentioned by 

during an interview, referencing an idea from Dr. Ross Green about people doing well when they can.


Ryan Holiday

Elliot Ackerman on Writing, Military Service, and Polarization | People Do Well When They Can
Mentioned by Misty as a book that emphasizes the importance of a sense of control.

The Power of Incompletion: Why Leaving Things Unfinished Can Actually Boost Creativity and Well-being
Mentioned by 

when discussing an idea from Dr. Ross Green about children's well-being.


Ryan Holiday

Kids Do Well When They Can
Mentioned by 

when discussing the challenges of parenting and the importance of empathy.


Ryan Holiday

Daily Dad on How Hard It Is to Be a Kid
Recommended by 

as one of her top three parenting books.


Sarah Rosensweet

Best of Guest Expert Advice from 2024: Episode 176
Mentioned by 

as a core philosophy book about creating a self-driven child.


MacKenzie Price

S2E251: Things Parents Wish Were True...But Aren't (Part 2)
Mentioned by 

as important books for raising their family.


Taylor Sparks

Episode 108: The History of Food Packaging
Recommended by 

as influential books in his parenting journey.


Ryan Holiday

Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson on Raising Self-Driven Children
Recommended by 

, who has mentioned it frequently due to its research supporting intrinsic motivation.


Debbie Reber

TPP 209a: Blake Boles Asks Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids to School