Self-esteem trap raising confident and compassionate kids in an age of self-importance

Includes bibliographical references (p. 213-240) and index.

The trouble with being special -- The roots of the problem -- The importance of adversity -- The necessity of conscience and virtue -- Autonomy and emotional maturity -- The value of being ordinary -- Religion and reverence -- Love and its near enemy -- The truth about happiness.

Kids today are depressed and anxious. They also seem to feel entitled to every advantage and unwilling to make the leap into adulthood. As Polly Young-Eisendrath makes clear in this brilliant account of where a generation has gone astray, parents trying to make their children feel special are unwittingly interfering with their kids' ability to accept themselves and cope with life. Clarifying an enormous cultural change, The Self-Esteem Trap shows why so many young people have trouble with empathy and compassion, struggle with moral values, and are stymied in the face of adversity. Young-Eisendrath offers prescriptive advice on how adults can help kids--through the teen and young adult years--develop self-worth, setting them on the right track to productive, balanced, and happy lives