The Examined Life
Is achievement culture killing our kids? [Khe Hy]
Oct 19, 2023
In this podcast, Khe Hy, author of the book Never Enough: When achievement culture kills our kids, discusses the detrimental effects of achievement culture on children. The podcast covers topics such as substance abuse and mental health among high-achieving students, modeling intensity and conditional self-acceptance, challenges and remedies of raising children in an achievement culture, seeking therapy for tantrums, importance of balancing outcome-focused activities, and reflections on helping others and living a good life.
41:06
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Quick takeaways
- High-performing teenage kids are as likely to experience substance abuse and depression as those living in poverty or with incarcerated parents.
- The pressure faced by students and parents is driven by a perception of scarcity and a desire to project status and self-worth onto their children.
Deep dives
The Pressure on High School Kids in Achievement Culture
The podcast episode delves into the immense pressure experienced by high school students in an achievement-oriented culture. The episode highlights quotes from students who feel overwhelmed and believe their self-worth is tied to their grades. It also discusses the alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse among high-achieving students. The phenomenon is not limited to a specific geographic location but affects the top 25% of students across the country.
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