Ned Johnson, President of Prep Matters and co-author of several books on self-driven children, returns to share insights on his new workbook for parents. He highlights the alarming rise of anxiety and depression among teens, linking it to academic pressures and the need for autonomy. Johnson discusses redefining success beyond academics and fostering resilience through strong parent-child connections. He emphasizes nurturing emotional regulation in parents to better support their children and explores the healing power of laughter in building connections.
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insights INSIGHT
Youth Mental Health Crisis
The US Surgeon General called the adolescent mental health crisis the defining public health crisis of our time.
Younger children are developing anxiety and depression at alarming rates, leading to hospitalizations for suicidal thoughts.
insights INSIGHT
Redefining Success
A narrow definition of success, focused solely on academic achievement, contributes to anxiety and depression in young people.
True happiness encompasses more than just external achievements.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
The Parent as a Consultant
Parents should act as consultants, offering guidance and support without rescuing their children from challenges.
Allowing children to struggle helps them develop essential skills like stress tolerance and problem-solving.
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How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home
Ned Johnson
William Stixrud
In 'What Do You Say?', William Stixrud and Ned Johnson offer a comprehensive guide on how to communicate effectively with children. The book focuses on defining and demonstrating the basic principles of listening and speaking, and provides new ways to handle specific, thorny topics such as delivering constructive feedback, discussing technology boundaries, explaining sleep and brain function, addressing anxiety about current events, and family problem-solving. The authors emphasize the importance of treating parents as consultants rather than managers, encouraging children to make their own decisions, and maintaining a positive communication ratio to foster a supportive and resilient family environment.
The Self-Driven Child
The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
Ned Johnson
William Stixrud
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[2][3][5].
Never Enough
The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction
Judith Grisel
In *Never Enough*, Judith Grisel draws on her personal journey as a recovering addict and her extensive research as a neuroscientist to reveal the intricate science behind addiction. The book delves into how drugs affect the brain, the changes that occur with chronic use, and the hidden personality traits that addiction can expose. Grisel emphasizes that the 'cure' for addiction may not lie in individual brains but in how we interact with our communities. The book offers a compassionate and clear look at the roles drugs play in our lives and provides new insights into solving the epidemic of addiction.
The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child
A Workbook
Ned Johnson
William R. Stixrud
This workbook guides parents in developing nonanxious parenting skills, helping them navigate stressful situations and communicate effectively with their children. It offers practical exercises and prompts to support children's unique paths to growth. The book builds on the principles from *The Self-Driven Child*, addressing the convergence of educational and mental health crises in the post-pandemic era.
It was wonderful to have Ned Johnson back on the podcast to talk about his new workbook for parents. This is a companion book to “The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives”. We discuss the importance of having control as a protective factor in preventing youth mental health challenges, especially with anxiety and depression.
Here are links to Ned Johnson and William Stixrud’s other co-authored books:
Parenting The Adlerian Way 
