HOW TO RAISE AN ADULT summary

Introduction

How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott What is in it for me? Make your children happier, and more independent. Having children, is one of the biggest events, in many of our lives. And it is only natural, that we want, to do everything in our power, to help our children.

And make sure, they get what they need. However, as this summary will show you. This eagerness, to help our children, has spiraled out of control. Leading, to a kind of parenting, that is actually harmful.

And does not prepare them, for their lives as adults. It is high time, we start doing something, about it. It is time, to start raising adults. This is How to Raise an Adult, by Julie Lythcott.

Harm of Overparenting

Too much parenting, just is not good for your kids. When it comes to parenting, there can be, too much of a good thing. Overeager parents, or helicopter parents, seem to be everywhere.

The term, coined in the nineteen nineties. Describes the type of parents, who constantly hover over their children. Rather than raising them, to be independent people. Today, this is standard parenting.

And it is not good. At all. Flashback, to the nineteen eighty one abduction, and murder, of six year old Adam Walsh. An event, upon which a hugely popular movie, would later be based.

Contributing, to an atmosphere of fear, among parents in the US. All of a sudden, parenting was no longer, about preparing children for life. Instead, it was about protecting them from it. After all, there is a lot to be afraid of.

Accidents, illnesses, strangers. Any of these things, could be potentially disastrous. But to a great extent, these fears are irrational. It is actually, more likely for a kid to die, in an equestrian accident.

Than to be kidnapped, for instance. It is not just fear, that motivates, helicopter parents, though. They also parent, with the hope, that it will give the kids, the best opportunities later in life. That is why they manage their children's extracurricular time so stringently.

Sure, kids with helicopter parents often make it into a good school, or a big business. But that does not mean they are prepared for life. Moreover, helicopter parenting is a means to an end, achieving something the parents think is important. But, just because the parents, see something as necessary.

Does not mean, it will make their children happy. Helicopter parents, are also motivated, by a mistrust in the system. Many parents, do not view their schools, as effective. And make an attempt to intervene, and thus, become overly involved.

In addition, their desire to get their kids, into the best colleges. Can lead, to some extreme behavior. There are even parents, who will hire a lawyer, if they think, their kid got the wrong grade. But wait.

Are we arguing that it is wrong to look out for your kid's well being? No, not in theory. But helicopter parenting often goes too far. And as you will see in the following sections, this can have major consequences.