Episode 417: Dr. Leonard Sax: The Collapse of Parenting and the Rise of Childhood Anxiety and Depression

Jan 21, 2025

Dr. Leonard Sax, a renowned psychologist and author, discusses the alarming rise of anxiety and depression among children today. He highlights how social media and a culture of disrespect affect parenting and child development. Sax advocates for a balanced approach to parenting—loving yet disciplined—to foster resilience. He also critiques the over-prescription of ADHD medication and the risks of misdiagnosing normal behaviors. Insightful strategies for instilling self-control and managing childhood obesity and anxiety are also covered.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

The Cultural Disconnect: An In-Depth Look at Childhood Anxiety and Social Dynamics

03:24 • 3min

Navigating Modern Parenting Challenges

06:33 • 27min

Cultivating Success: The Role of Self-Control

33:58 • 5min

ADHD Medications in Children: Ethical Dilemmas and Advocacy

39:20 • 6min

Managing Childhood Anxiety and ADHD Without Medication

45:24 • 11min

Exploring Childhood Obesity and Parenting Challenges

56:21 • 2min

Enlightened Parenting

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Jennifer Finney Boylan

Girls on the Edge

The Four Factors Driving the New Crisis for Girls

Leonard Sax

In 'Girls on the Edge', psychologist and physician Leonard Sax argues that many girls today have a brittle sense of self, appearing confident and strong on the outside but fragile within. Sax identifies four key factors threatening girls' psychological growth: sexual identity, the cyberbubble, obsessions, and environmental toxins. He provides parents with practical tips on limiting social media use, choosing sports, and nurturing their daughters' spirits through female-centered activities. The book offers a compelling and inspiring path to a new future for today's girls and young women.

The collapse of parenting

How We Hurt Our Kids When We Treat Them Like Grown-Ups

Leonard Sax

Boys Adrift

The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men

Leonard Sax

In *Boys Adrift*, Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on more than twenty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at home. He identifies five key factors: changes in school environments, the impact of video games, the misuse of stimulant medications for ADHD, the presence of endocrine disruptors, and the lack of positive male role models. Sax presents practical solutions, including strategies for educators to re-engage boys in school and tips for parents on managing homework, video games, and medication. The book emphasizes the need to address these issues to improve the well-being and future prospects of boys and young men.

The Magician's Nephew

C.S. Lewis

The story follows Digory and Polly, two children who meet while exploring the attics of their adjacent homes in London. They stumble upon Uncle Andrew's study, where they are tricked into using magical rings that allow travel between worlds. Their adventures take them to the desolate world of Charn, where they awaken the evil queen Jadis, and eventually to the creation of Narnia by the lion Aslan. The novel explores themes of creation, good vs. evil, and redemption as Digory and Polly navigate these new worlds and their consequences.