Bringing Up Geeks
How to Protect Your Kid's Childhood in a Grow-Up-Too-Fast World
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
A breakthrough parenting book that redefines the meaning of 'geek' and inspires parents to free themselves and their kids from the 'culture of cool.'
In a world of superficial values, peer pressure, and out-of-control consumerism, the world needs more GEEKS: Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids. Today's 'culture of cool' has changed the way kids grow up. Rather than enjoying innocent childhoods while developing strong, authentic characters, today's kids can become cynical 'even jaded' as they absorb the dangerous messages and harmful influences of a dominant popular culture that encourages materialism, high-risk behaviors, and a state of pseudo-adulthood.
Author and mother of four Marybeth Hicks suggests an alternative: bringing up geeks. In this groundbreaking book, she shows parents how they can help their children gain the enthusiasm to pursue their passions, not just the latest fashions; the confidence to resist peer pressure and destructive behaviors; the love of learning that helps them excel at school and in life; and the maturity to value family as well as friends, as well as make good moral decisions.
With a foundation like that, kids will grow up to be the coolest adults.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Columnist, author and mother Hicks (The Perfect World Inside My Minivan) reminds us that raising children, difficult in itself, can become a Herculean task at odds with the world around us. Hicks explains how parents can protect their children's innocence while teaching thoughtfulness, critical thinking skills, proper behavior and spirituality to better help them navigate childhood obstacles-peer pressure, pop culture and ubiquitous media input-and pave the road for healthy, engaged adulthood. Using stories and examples from her own life, Hicks sets out ten rules for parents to follow; in a curious turn of phrase, Hicks reclaims the childhood taunt "GEEK" by defining it as a "genuine, enthusiastic, empowered kid," and turns around several other concepts-"brainiac," "late bloomer," "sheltered," "homebody"-to find their true value. The ideal outcome is a child who's socially connected but immune to the negative effects of peer pressure, advertising and media. Hicks's helpful, strident guide is conversational and at times humorous, encouraging assertive parenting and independent thinking (saying "no," disregarding other parents' ideas), with action plans to implement, further advice drawn from experts and a copious resource list.
Customer Reviews
Perfect
This book is priceless. In a clear way, the author identifies key factors in raising children to be healthy, happy, intelligent individuals with a secure family identity. Geeks are genuine enthusiastic empowered kids. Our culture fosters this intense pressure to be cool. I love this book. The author does a great job of giving big-picture long term goals as well as easy, simple & effective ideas on how to create your own g.e.e.k. Culture at home.
Buy, highlight, underline, and mark up this book...my own copy is well loved!