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#553: Jessica Lahey on Parenting, Desirable Difficulties, The Gift of Failure, Self-Efficacy, and The Addiction Inoculation

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Dec 9, 2021

Guest

Jessica Lahey

Jessica Lahey, author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation, is a seasoned educator and recovery coach. She shares insights on parenting through 'desirable difficulties' to build resilience in children. Lahey discusses the impact of over-parenting on motivation and independence, emphasizing the need for kids to confront challenges. She also reflects on her struggles with addiction and the importance of open communication about substance awareness. With practical advice, Lahey encourages parents to engage with their children's interests for deeper connections.

01:50:17

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ANECDOTE

Rock Bottom and Recovery

Jessica Lahey's alcoholism worsened in her 40s, culminating in a blackout at her mother's birthday party.
Her father's honest confrontation, driven by love and concern, led her to seek help and begin her recovery.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Euphemisms and Gaslighting

Jessica Lahey hid her alcoholism by using "taking a nap" as a euphemism for drinking.
This gaslighting tactic eroded her children's sense of reality and self-efficacy.

insights

INSIGHT

The First Day

Instead of focusing on when addiction hits rock bottom, examine the initial causes.
Understanding the "first day" is crucial for effective intervention and prevention.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring Parenting and Resilience through Failure

03:33 • 2min

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Navigating Middle School Challenges

05:32 • 11min

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Confronting Addiction: A Journey of Realization

16:46 • 14min

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The Impact of Over-Parenting on Child Development

30:33 • 11min

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The Impact of Overprotective Parenting on Learning and Independence

41:07 • 5min

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The Power of Hope in Parenting

46:06 • 7min

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Parenting and Substance Awareness

52:42 • 18min

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From Setbacks to Success

01:10:30 • 19min

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Investing in Our Children's Interests

01:29:06 • 16min

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Engaging with Listeners and Health Insights

01:45:11 • 5min

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Jessica Lahey on Parenting, Desirable Difficulties, The Gift of Failure, Self-Efficacy, and The Addiction Inoculation | Brought to you by Wealthfront automated investing and Athletic Greens all-in-one nutritional supplement.

Jessica Lahey (@jesslahey) is the author of the New York Times bestselling book The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed and The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. Over twenty years, Jessica has taught every grade from sixth to twelfth in both public and private schools and spent five years teaching in a drug and alcohol rehab for adolescents in Vermont. She currently serves as a recovery coach at Sana at Stowe, a medical detox and recovery center in Stowe, Vermont, where 100 percent of her salary goes to a scholarship fund for young adults.

Jessica writes about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, is a book critic for Air Mail, and wrote the educational curriculum for Amazon Kids’ award-winning The Stinky and Dirty Show. She co-hosts the #AmWriting podcast with bestselling authors KJ Dell’Antonia and Sarina Bowen from her house in Vermont, where she lives with her husband, two sons, and a lot of dogs.

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