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

In 'Educated,' Tara Westover recounts her journey from a childhood in rural Idaho, where she was raised by survivalist Mormon parents who opposed public education and medical care, to becoming a scholar at Harvard and Cambridge University. The book details her struggles with physical and verbal abuse, her self-education, and her eventual admission to Brigham Young University. Westover's story is a powerful exploration of resilience, the importance of education, and the complexities of family relationships. She navigates the tension between her desire for knowledge and her loyalty to her family, ultimately finding a way to reconcile her past and present selves.

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.

In 'Reality Is Broken,' Jane McGonigal argues that games provide rewards, challenges, and epic victories that are often lacking in the real world. She suggests that gamers are expert problem solvers and collaborators and introduces cutting-edge games that are already addressing social problems like depression and obesity, as well as global issues like poverty and climate change. The book proposes that by understanding and designing games, we can improve our daily lives, work, philanthropy, and relationships outside of gaming.