A compelling argument against helicopter parenting with practical strategies for building resilience, though sometimes oversimplified for complex family situations.
What works
• Provides scientific grounding with neurological and psychological explanations for why struggle builds competence, making the advice feel research-backed rather than opinion-based
• Offers concrete, practical strategies for different developmental stages, including specific approaches to common issues like homework battles
• Acknowledges real social pressures that drive overprotective parenting behavior, making the advice feel practical rather than preachy
• Draws from the author's dual perspective as both a middle school teacher with over a decade of classroom experience and a parent
What doesn't
• The review cuts off mid-sentence, suggesting potential issues with the book's completion or organization
• Rated only 3.5/5 stars, indicating the reviewer found notable limitations despite the strengths mentioned