How to Raise an Adult by

How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims is a compelling manifesto that critiques the harms of overparenting and advocates for fostering independence in children. Drawing on research, interviews with educators, and personal insights, Lythcott-Haims highlights how overhelping can stress both parents and children, while offering alternative strategies to build resilience and resourcefulness. This book is essential reading for parents of preteens, teens, and even young adults, providing a roadmap to raise confident and capable individuals who can take charge of their own lives./n/nThe author emphasizes the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and develop inner determination. Relevant to parents at various stages, this book serves as a rallying cry for those who wish to ensure the next generation can navigate adulthood with competence and confidence. It's a practical and thought-provoking guide that challenges conventional parenting norms and offers actionable advice for fostering self-reliance.

Reviews

Career Insight Studio · Career Insight Studio · 2023-08-13

life-changing 4.50

The book is praised as a practical guide for parents, offering life-changing insights and strategies to raise self-sufficient teens. The author's personal experiences and external references are highlighted as particularly valuable.

This review from Career Insight Studio is incredibly positive, describing 'How to Raise an Adult' as a life-changing book. They appreciate the practical advice and the way the author, Julie Lythcott-Haims, shares her personal journey of realizing she was overparenting her own children. The reviewer also highlights the external references and resources mentioned in the book, which they find particularly useful. They believe this book is a must-read for any parent looking to raise independent and resilient teens.

Quick quotes

It's a practical guide for parents to raise self-sufficient teens.

The author takes you through her own realization that she was overparenting her own kids.

Her personal experiences (as a college dean) and external references are invaluable.

UConn ECE Magazine · UConn ECE Magazine · 2021-12-15

loved 4.50

The book is loved for its comprehensive approach, with each chapter addressing a different topic and offering valuable resources. The author's personal experiences as a college dean are particularly appreciated.

The reviewer from UConn ECE Magazine absolutely loved this book. They appreciate the structure, with each chapter focusing on a different topic, and the external references and resources mentioned throughout. The reviewer also highlights the author's personal experiences as a college dean, which they find particularly insightful. They believe this book is a valuable resource for any parent looking to raise independent and resilient teens.

Quick quotes

I loved it. From the topic of each chapter, to the external references and resources she mentions.

Her personal experiences (as a college dean) and external references are invaluable.

It's a practical guide for parents to raise self-sufficient teens.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 2015-06-15

provocative 4.00

The book is described as a provocative manifesto that challenges helicopter parenting and offers an alternative philosophy for raising preteens and teens. The reviewer appreciates the practical advice and the author's unique perspective.

The New York Times review describes 'How to Raise an Adult' as a provocative manifesto that challenges the norms of helicopter parenting. They appreciate the practical advice offered and the author's unique perspective on raising preteens and teens. The reviewer believes this book is a valuable resource for any parent looking to raise independent and resilient teens. They also highlight the author's personal experiences and the external references mentioned in the book.

Quick quotes

A provocative manifesto that exposes the harms of helicopter parenting and sets forth an alternate philosophy for raising preteens and teens to self-sufficient.

Indeed, Lythcott-Haims's explicit instructions for parents read like a page straight out of a '70s-era parenting playbook: “Value free play.”

Her personal experiences (as a college dean) and external references are invaluable.

Appears in Lists

Rachel Simmons' 16 Parenting Books I Swear By For Raising A Confident Child (2025)