Ep 36. Julie Lythcott-Haims: How to Raise an Adult

Ep 36. Julie Lythcott-Haims: How to Raise an Adult

We've lost sight of the fact that our job is to prepare our kids for that unfortunate but inevitable day when we're gone.

Julie Lythcott Haims

Julie Lythcott-Haims served as Stanford University’s Dean of Freshmen for a decade. She received the Dinkelspiel Award for her contributions to the undergraduate experience. Julie is a mother of two teenagers and has spoken and written widely on the phenomenon of helicopter parenting. She is also the author of the book How To Raise An Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success.

In this episode, Stew and Julie discuss helicoptering parents and the harm they are doing to their children and society. Julie asserts that over-parenting deprives children of essential life skills needed to survive in the adult worlds of work, family, and community. She illustrates the effects of over-parenting  on the emotional and intellectual development of the next generation of adults in our society.  Julie then gives practical advice for parents, like making the shift away from the pronoun “we” when talking about their kids and learning to stop arguing with teachers or coaches on behalf of their children.  This conversation is timely, in light of runaway college tuitions, competitive preschool admittance, and the deterioration of the Y Generation’s mental health. Click here for the transcript.  

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