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Under Pressure
304 pages, 2009
psychology
705 booksCarl Honoré's son asked, “Why do grown-ups have to take over everything?” His question inspired a two-year investigation into how our culture of speed, efficiency, and success at all costs is damaging both parents and children. When the impulse to give children the best of everything runs rampant, parents, schools, communities, and corporations unwittingly combine forces to create over-scheduled, over-stimulated, and overindulged kids.
The mere mention of potty-training, ballet classes, preschool, ADD or overeating is enough to spark a heated debate about the right way to raise our children.
The problem is that despite the best intentions of all involved – one where parents try to manage every detail of their child's lives from birth through college – they are overwhelmed by a continually growing list of responsibilities such as managing homework schedules; preparing snacks and meals; arranging after school activities like music lessons or sports teams; chauffeuring children everywhere between school and other activities; monitoring academics through report cards; and then there are those who must add maintaining a career onto all this!
In Under Pressure, Carl Honoré emphasizes the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world. He suggests that we should take a step back, breathe, and allow ourselves to enjoy the present moment. This can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Honoré warns against the dangers of over-scheduling children's lives. He believes that kids need time to explore, play, and just be kids. Over-scheduling can lead to stress and burnout, robbing children of their childhood.
Under Pressure explores the value of unstructured play for children. Honoré argues that free play allows children to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. So, let's give our kids some space to play and learn on their own.
Carl Honoré encourages parents to take a less controlling role in their children's lives. He suggests that parents should guide and support their children, but also allow them to make mistakes and learn from them. This can help children become more independent and resilient.
In Under Pressure, the author highlights the importance of spending quality time with our children. He suggests that this can strengthen the parent-child bond and help children feel loved and secure. So, let's put down our phones and really connect with our kids.