Are We Raising a Nation of Wimps?
Hara Marano has written a book entitled “A Nation of Wimps: The High Cost of Invasive Parenting,” and it’s fascinating. In its review, the Wall Street Journal explores both sides of the issue.
On the one hand, the Journal agrees with Marano that “over-involved parents are sapping the will of America’s youth, keeping them from learning how to make decisions and solve problems for themselves,” and quotes her as writing that, “even as parents obsessively strap bike helmets on their kids’ heads and squirt antiseptic gels on their hands, the adults themselves cavalierly break up families with divorce and tolerate the rampant sexualization of prepubescent girls. In short, we’re focusing on the wrong risks.” Well said.
On the other hand, however, a little dive into history is a useful thing. The Journal points out that “Teddy Roosevelt, the quintessential American anti-wimp — he once killed a mountain lion with a knife — grew up enjoying a close relationship with his parents, including extended family vacations (no summer camp!), home schooling (call the teachers’ union!) and close contact even after he left for college (cut the cord, Mrs. Roosevelt!). TR’s own children suffered similar “overparenting,” yet they went on to be war heroes and successful citizens. American history teems with similar examples.”
This article says so much so well that you mustn’t miss it: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121201777980927709.html?mod=todays_us_opinion
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David Code is an Episcopal minister, family coach, writer, and founder of The Center for Staying Married & Raising Great Kids. Read more about his work at http://DavidArthurCode.com.
