The Unlikely Art of Parental Pressure: A Positive Approach to Pushing Your Child To Be Their Best Self

A survey of 421 students at Penn State showed that nearly a fifth had contemplated suicide; some of those students said that the primary reason was pressure from parents to get good grades. Would reducing parental pressure on students improve the situation? Not so fast, say psychologists Thurber and Weisinger, who in this book assert that the right type of pressure can be strongly linked not only to excellent performance but also to thriving mental health. The authors discuss the qualities of a “support-style parent” who sparks a child’s natural interest and motivation by expecting their personal best. Thurber and Weisinger advocate that parents take a proactive approach that includes reflecting on their own expectations and parenting style; coping with their own stress away from their child; teaching self-soothing and stress management techniques; and using tender emotional expression to comfort their child. With this book’s specific information for non-white families and gender-diverse children and parents, and its consideration of an audience representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, it’s sure to be a helpful resource.