The Self-Driven Child

Jess Lahey, a New York Times bestselling author and educator, delves into the emotional rollercoaster of the high school to college transition. She emphasizes the need for parents to balance support and independence, sharing personal stories from her children’s experiences. Key points include encouraging kids to build their own identity, understanding their push for autonomy, and the importance of genuine apologies. Lahey also discusses preparing children for unexpected challenges, highlighting how to help them gain competence and confidence as they embark on this new chapter.

In this discussion, Dr. William R. Stixrud, a co-author and expert in child psychology, dives into the insights from his latest book on parenting. He highlights the vital role of empathy and validation in strengthening parent-child relationships. The conversation touches on the mental health struggles of high-achieving children and emphasizes the need for effective communication through reflective listening. Real-life stories illustrate the transformative power of supportive conversations, reinforcing the importance of connection over control.

Dr. William Stixrud discusses autonomy, stress, and motivation in parenting and education. The impact of stress on the brain, fostering intrinsic motivation, and practical advice for supporting autonomy are explored. The importance of creating a supportive environment for children and young adults is emphasized.

Parent educator and admissions expert Wendy Wilkinson shares valuable insights on finding the right school for your child, handling learning differences, involving children in school decisions, and navigating the school admissions process. Tips on identifying when a school change might be necessary and evaluating schools for a good fit are also discussed.

Kaity Broadbent, Head of learning at Prenda, shares insights on creating nurturing learning environments. Topics include the impact of empathy on child development, ineffective motivational methods, importance of stress management, and strategies for fostering supportive relationships with children.

Join me as I chat with Kaity Broadbent, a trailblazer in education! We explore mastery-based learning, student autonomy, and the revolution of micro-schools. Kaity shares insights on individualized learning, self-determination theory, and the importance of relatedness, competency, and autonomy in education.

Psychologist William Stixrud, Ph.D., discusses college readiness, emphasizing emotional resilience over academic preparation. They cover mental health challenges, stress management, life skills, self-care, and the importance of sleep for adolescent brain development. Strategies for high-achieving students, self-evaluation, and stress relief are also discussed, highlighting the transition to college and sustainable success.

Seasoned higher education expert Jeff Selingo delves into the chaos of college admissions, discussing the evolution of early decision strategies, the commercial dynamics of admissions, the emotional toll on students, the quest for diversity, and the pursuit of a vast applicant pool. He encourages students to broaden their college search, debunking the myth of the 'perfect applicant' and exploring alternative pathways.

Journalist Lisa L. Lewis discusses the importance of sleep for teens and her role in changing school start times in California. She explains how sleep deprivation affects learning and behavior, and provides tips for ensuring teens get enough rest. The episode covers the science of sleep, the impact of irregular sleep on academic performance, and the emotional resilience of sleep-deprived teens.

Discover unique parenting strategies from indigenous communities like the Maya, Inuit, and Hadzabe that focus on cooperation and trust. Learn about emotional regulation techniques and the importance of personalized guidance in raising children. Explore the shift towards collaboration in parenting and the impact of cultural practices on shaping happy, helpful little humans.