There was a period in the past when parents, educational institutions, and society at large focused on cultivating resilient, self-reliant children. However, over time, this commendable objective gave way to softer ideals like happiness, kindness, and empathy, accompanied by a pervasive tendency towards overprotective parenting akin to helicopter supervision.
This transition has given rise to Generation Z, a cohort that expresses heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and a decreased ability to navigate the complexities of life independently. Surprisingly, almost 40 percent of youngsters have undergone mental health interventions, a stark contrast to the 26 percent among Generation X.
In her latest publication, “Bad Therapy: Why the Kids aren’t Growing Up,” Abigail Shrier delves into the conundrum of a generation raised in a culture saturated with therapy, abundant resources, and diagnostic tools yet struggling significantly with mental well-being. Not only does she dissect the roots of this issue, but she also presents viable remedies.
While Shrier acknowledges that she is not a parenting authority, her insights, drawn from raising twin 13-year-old boys and an 11-year-old girl, offer a refreshing perspective on breaking free from this detrimental cycle.
Shrier points fingers at several factors contributing to our current predicament, including the pervasive influence of social media and iPhones, the adoption of a lenient parenting approach devoid of discipline or clear boundaries, and the prevalence of “Social Emotional Learning” in educational curricula, which places undue emphasis on emotional introspection, potentially fueling excessive worry and self-absorption among youngsters.
The book stresses the importance of instilling independence and resilience in children through practical measures like assigning tasks, setting rules, and fostering a sense of humor. By encouraging children to confront challenges head-on and take on responsibilities from a young age, parents can empower them to navigate life’s hurdles with confidence.
Shrier advocates for a return to traditional values and common-sense approaches, highlighting the significance of imparting resilience-building experiences to children. Drawing from personal anecdotes, she underscores the value of grit and perseverance, citing examples from her own family history to illustrate the transformative power of adversity.
While not dismissive of therapy or medication, Shrier cautions against the indiscriminate use of psychotropic drugs in children, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of the risks involved. She underscores the potential harm of talk therapy for impressionable youngsters and urges a more discerning approach to mental health interventions in schools.
In essence, Shrier’s work underscores the importance of embracing challenges, fostering resilience, and reframing adversity as a catalyst for personal growth. By equipping children with the tools to navigate setbacks and failures early on, parents can help them develop the emotional fortitude needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.