The Myth of the Spoiled Child
by Alfie Kohn
Kohn attacks the conventional wisdom that children today are overindulged and need more grit and discipline: the evidence for 'helicopter' harm is thin, self-discipline is over-rated, and the traditionalist case serves adults. Provocative and well-footnoted.
Read it if…
you want the counter-argument to grit-and-discipline parenting.
Skip it if…
you want a balanced survey; Kohn argues one side.
Three things you will actually use
- 'Spoiled' is a complaint older than writing.
- Question who benefits from the toughness narrative.
- Unconditional support is not indulgence.
Do this first
Read the chapter on grit and decide what you actually believe.
Our verdict
The counter-argument.
Compare with other Parenting books
No-Drama Discipline
Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson · Parenting
Practical and humane; discipline as teaching.
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Simplicity Parenting
Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross · Parenting
Calming and practical; less is more for kids.
CLICK TO SEEBrowse all Parenting book reviews or get the free Reality Code Cheat Sheet.
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