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How to Raise an Adult Book Review

9 times out of 10, I start conversations with “So I recently read this article about [insert almost anything]…” I think it drives some people crazy, but there are just so many different things to learn about out there and different points of view, and I want to learn them all. And then I want to talk about them. (Thank you to the friends who will engage in discussion with me about things that may or may not be that important!)

So when I was given the opportunity to read and review the book How to Raise an Adult, I thought why not. I’m getting ready to embark on this parenting adventure and I guess I could use all the help I can get, right? I will say that I am not committing myself to one parenting style or another, but this book is more in line with free range parenting rather than “helicopter” parenting.

The first half of the book gives tons of examples of how today’s generation isn’t able to care for themselves and its more and more common for parents to help kids with everything, even so far as being a part of their job interviews after college.  I am a little torn on this, because I am technically in the generation of helpless kids the author is referring to…and I have never heard of anyone my age taking their parents to their interview. I did however want to discuss my first job offer with my parents before accepting, because they know more about what wages and benefits are fair than I had. Does that make me too overly dependent on them? I don’t really think so.

This second half of the book gives advice on how to raise your children to be adult, which is technically the ultimate goal, right? I liked this half of the book better, as it does provide some insight into giving your child more freedom and independence without being neglectful. Growing up, I was able to walk around town and go on bike rides with my friends without adult supervision from a pretty early age. My sister and I walked to the grocery store and to the pool and to friends’ houses all the time. But we also lived in a town of less than 2000 people. I’ll be raising my kids in a much much larger city and I’ve been wondering how to let kids be kids, while still keeping them safe. So for me, while I’m not committed to a free range style of parenting, these tips were helpful in giving me some ideas for how to do that.

Luckily I still have a few years until my little baby will be able to do anything on its own, so I’ve got time to keep reading more books and articles and to form my own opinions on how I would like to parent.

Here are a couple videos about the book if you’re interested. :)

What are your views on the helicopter parenting versus free range parenting? Remember, this is just a friendly discussion! :) 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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