Americano
‘Gentle parenting’ & why therapy might be harming children
Mar 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Abigail Shrier, a Wall Street Journal columnist and author of "Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren't Growing Up," explores the pitfalls of over-diagnosing mental health issues in children. She critiques modern parenting strategies, emphasizing the dangers of outsourcing emotional support to therapy and technology. Shrier argues that smartphone use exacerbates isolation, while therapeutic models may hinder resilience. Parents are encouraged to foster independence and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health, challenging current approaches.
25:30
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Quick takeaways
- Current mental health treatments for children may be counterproductive, exacerbating issues instead of providing genuine support and healing.
- A stable home environment with authoritative parenting is crucial for building resilience, surpassing the reliance on therapy and technology.
Deep dives
The Ineffectiveness of Current Mental Health Treatments
Despite increased funding and treatment for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among children, the rates of these ailments continue to rise. Historical comparisons show that unlike other health areas where improvements in care lead to better outcomes, mental health support seems to coincide with worsening conditions. This suggests that the current approaches may not only be ineffective but potentially harmful, as excessive therapy and medication could exacerbate existing problems rather than remedy them. The notion of iatrogenesis, particularly in the context of child therapy, complicates matters further, as children often lack the autonomy to critique or withdraw from therapies that may not be beneficial.
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