anetacamova

I picked this book up because it was referenced in "A Return to Modesty." It sounded fairly interesting from the snippets that were quoted. However I was disappointed when I read it. I was hoping for more of the social research aspect and less of the "parenting advice tips." It was definitely more of the latter. And at that, while the study was interesting, the advice was pretty banal and out-of-touch. I'm not sure who exactly the author is talking to, but my guess is that they are considerably older than myself, and probably more wealthy and status-oriented. Rimm keeps trying to shock the reader with how different middle school is now compared to "when you were in school" but it actually sounds a lot like my own middle school years, almost 20 years ago now. There are lots of band-aid solutions in this volume, including some excruciatingly clueless "coping tips" for victims of bullying. (Does the author really think that bullies will be deterred by their target being a "math star"? REALLY?) The sacred cows of adults, however, are never lead up to the altar for sacrifice. It is assumed that our children must comply with our priorities: divorces and remarriages, careerist workaholism, status and prestige obsession, and even weight and appearance fixations are all a-ok as long as we can teach the kids some "coping skills" to deal with our failings. Well I disagree, so clearly this book isn't speaking to me. Disappointing and depressing.

2022-10-21 05:32