Title
The parents we mean to be : how well-intentioned adults undermine children's moral and emotional development / Richard Weissbourd.
ISBN
9780618626175
0618626174
Publication Details
Boston : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009.
Language
English
Description
xii, 241 p. ; 22 cm.
Call Number
HQ772 .W365 2009
Dewey Decimal Classification
649/.7
Summary
Through the author's own original field research, a surprising picture of the moral development of children emerges to confirm that parents' intense focus on their children's happiness is turning many children into self-involved, fragile conformists who feel ashamed when they fail to measure up. He posits that parents' challenge is not to teach morality, but first, "to help children deal with the emotions, such as the fear of being a pariah or a 'loser,' that cause them to transgress," and, secondly, " to help children develop a deep commitment to these values, a commitment that can override other needs and goals. The issue isn't moral literacy; it's moral motivation. ... Appreciation brakes destructive impulses." Finally, "a third challenge is to develop in children a strong sense of self -- so that they can withstand adversity in the service of moral goals -- and to ingrain in children from early ages the habits of attending to and caring for others."
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Helping children manage destructive emotions
Promoting happiness and morality
The real danger in the achievement craze
When being close to children backfires
Moral adults : moral children
The real moral power of schools
The morally mature sports parent
Cultivating mature idealism in young people
Key moral strengths of children across race and culture.
