NUTS (Novelty, Unpredictability, a Threat to your ego, and poor Sense of Control) is an acronym discussed in a new book by William Stixrud and Ned Johnson, used to describe “what makes life stressful.” In Stixrud and Johnson’s compelling book, The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control over Their Lives, the authors describe ways in which you can help your child “…sculpt a brain that is resilient, stress-proof, and eager to take on new challenges.”  Combining years of clinical experience with current brain research, The Self-Driven Child outlines sensible and realistic ways for parents to help their children combat anxiety and build “meaningful independence.”   One of the book’s insights is the importance of informing rather than lecturing, and the very powerful result of demonstrating trust in your child’s ability to make decisions.

Need strategies for “taming the beast of technology,” or how to be a “nonanxious” presence in your teen’s life? Stixrud and Johnson discuss these very topics, as well as, the importance of sleep, the challenges of learning disorders, colleges and the various entrance exams, each described through real-life examples of everyday students, helping to make this book an invaluable resource!

Read it! Invite a friend to do the same! It is sure to make for thoughtful conversation!