Dr. Thompson was recently interviewed by CNN’s Michael Schulder on the topic of raising independent children. :
Some excerpts from the interview:
“You can’t give your child self esteem, self esteem is a by product of skill.” [1:45]
“You can’t give your child independence. By definition you can’t give it.” [2:50]
“Camp is not school. I’ve got nutty parents who are thinking about college admissions when their child is in 2nd grade. That kind of anxiety bears down on kids. I believe summer should be a break from it. [8:50]
“Children like to learn, but don’t always like to be taught.” [24:31]
“Parenting makes you very serious and a bit judgmental. And the way you are wired into your children is both wonderful and for them a bit burdensome. That’s parenting to me.” [26:40]
You can listen to the full audio interview on CNN.com.