How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success Summary
by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Book Summary
View full book details →Who This Book Is For
An ideal reader is a parent (often in a middle- to upper-middle‑class context) who suspects they may be overdoing it—protecting, directing, or doing for their child—and wants to shift toward nurturing independence. They are concerned about their child’s anxiety, perfectionism, or dependence, and they value long‑term well‑being and authentic motivation more than prestige. They acknowledge the culture of fear and competition but don’t know how to change without undermining warmth. They are curious, reflective, and ready to examine their motives, fears, and ego—and to redefine success beyond college rankings. They welcome practical tools: a staged plan to move from manager to coach, scaffolding strategies, and age‑specific routines that gradually transfer responsibility. They may be a parent of an elementary, middle, high‑school, or college‑bound student, or a teacher/mentor seeking a framework for supporting autonomy. Above all, they want healthier family dynamics and resilient, capable young adults within their homes and communities.
Book Details
- Categories
- Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help
- Pages
- 368
- Published
- 2015
- Language
- ENGLISH
- Rating
- 4.1 (12,946 reviews)
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