The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting

The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting combines insights from game theory, economics, and behavioral psychology to help parents navigate the endless cycle of family quarrels and ineffective solutions.

Through case studies and practical examples, Raeburn and Zollman demonstrate how concepts like the Prisoner's Dilemma and the Ultimatum Game can be applied to real parenting challenges such as dividing toys, managing long car rides, and establishing homework routines.

The book addresses specific issues at various developmental stages, starting from age 5 through the teenage years, and shows parents how to use fair division strategies, auction systems, and strategic incentives to reduce sibling envy and teach children about fairness, cooperation, and decision-making consequences.