How to Raise an Adult
"How to Raise an Adult" is authored by Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former dean of freshmen at Stanford University. The book stems from her observations during her tenure, where she noticed a troubling trend: students arriving at college highly accomplished yet lacking in independence, burdened by parental micromanagement and high expectations. This realization compelled her to write a guide aimed at breaking the cycle of overparenting and preparing children for real-world success. Lythcott-Haims holds a rich educational background with degrees from Stanford University, Harvard Law School, and the California College of the Arts, further validating her insights into young adult development and parenting.
Differentiation What sets "How to Raise an Adult" apart in the category of life skills education is its foundational experience drawn from a high-caliber academic setting and its direct challenge to the modern parenting status quo. It addresses the pitfalls of overparenting and offers strategies for fostering resilience and independence in children—qualities essential for adulthood but often overlooked in traditional educational curriculums.
How to Get Started To integrate "How to Raise an Adult" into a homeschooling curriculum, parents should begin by absorbing the core principles Lythcott-Haims discusses. The book is structured to guide parents gradually, making it accessible for those new to the concept of reducing overparenting. It encourages reflective practices and provides actionable steps to implement its advice.
How It Works This guide is best used as a supplementary resource in a homeschooling setup. Parents are advised to dedicate time to discuss the themes of the book with their children, integrating about an hour weekly to cover chapters and reflect on personal family practices. The activities suggested are mostly discussion-based and reflective, suitable for independent reading by older children or facilitated by parents for younger ones.
Educational Content and Foreign Languages The book covers a variety of life skills crucial for adult independence, such as:
Problem-solving
Emotional resilience
Responsibility
Practical life skills like budgeting and time management No specific foreign languages content is included.
What’s Good About It Users appreciate the book's pragmatic approach to parenting, filled with real-world examples and actionable advice. The shift from helicoptering to supporting from a distance resonates with many, helping parents prepare their children not just for school, but for life.
What Could Be Improved Some readers feel the book could provide more varied examples from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, the solutions proposed can sometimes seem daunting for parents deeply entrenched in overparenting habits, suggesting a need for more incremental steps in the guidance provided.
Advice from Parents Parents recommend taking the time to reflect on one’s own parenting style and biases while reading this book. Engaging children in discussions about their perspectives on independence and responsibility can also enhance the effectiveness of applying Lythcott-Haims' advice, making the transition towards less intensive parenting smoother and more inclusive.
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For The book is perfect for homeschooling parents looking to nurture self-sufficiency and resilience in their children. It's particularly suitable for those who may be prone to overdirecting their child's education and life choices and are seeking a balanced approach that promotes healthy adult development.
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For Parents who are looking for a strict academic curriculum or direct instructions on daily educational activities might find this book less fitting. It’s more about shifting parenting paradigms and less about specific educational content.
Grades The book is most suitable for parents of children in middle school through college.
Cost The book is available in various formats with prices ranging approximately from $15 to $25.
Ways to Get It "How to Raise an Adult" can be purchased through major booksellers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores. It is also available in digital format for e-readers and tablets.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). Rest assured, we only recommend resources we’ve rigorously vetted and truly love—affiliate link or not. Thank you so much for supporting our work!
Explore More Parenting Programs We Recommend
Discover NPR's Life Kit: Parenting, a podcast offering science-backed advice and practical tips from experts to help you navigate the complexities of raising children.