Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting cover image

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

180: Encore: Never Enough: Confronting Toxic Achievement Culture (with author Jennifer Wallace)

Aug 13, 2024
Join Jennifer Wallace, an author and journalist, as she discusses her book 'Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic.' She dives into the detrimental impact of achievement pressure on kids and what parents can do about it. Discover the surprising ways parents unintentionally pressure their children and how a shift in conversations can promote a healthier environment. Learn about the 'puppy dog principle' and why feeling valued matters more than just achievement.
42:00

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Toxic achievement culture negatively impacts children's mental health, highlighting the urgent need for parents to shift their focus from performance to personal worth.
  • Creating a nurturing environment where children feel they matter beyond their achievements fosters resilience and mitigates the pressures of societal expectations.

Deep dives

The Impact of Toxic Achievement Culture

The podcast addresses the detrimental effects of a toxic achievement culture faced by children and families today. Children in high-pressure environments, such as competitive academic schools, often experience severe stress and anxiety, which can lead to mental health issues. The guest, Jennifer Wallace, highlights her research indicating that students in these settings are increasingly viewed as vulnerable, comparable to those from underprivileged backgrounds. This pressure is compounded by societal expectations, pushing parents to personalize their children's achievements, leading to further complicating family dynamics.

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