This review is about The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure, an eye-opening book by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. This thought-provoking read delves into the ways in which society has changed over the past few decades, particularly when it comes to parenting and education. By examining the impact of the ‘safety culture’, the authors discuss how our current approach to emotional well-being could be leading to long-term psychological damage in young people. Through their in-depth research and analysis, they offer insight into why our current practices are failing us and suggest alternative methods of addressing these issues.
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure Review

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure is an eye-opening read that delves into the consequences of coddling children and young adults. Written by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, two influential thought leaders in higher education, this book examines how well-intentioned parenting and college administrators are causing more harm than good.
- Key Features:
- Explores the impacts of “safetyism” on college campuses
- Examines how overparenting has led to rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among young people
- Provides practical strategies for parents, educators, and students to promote mental health
- Written by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, who have been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic Monthly, and National Public Radio
If you’re looking for answers about why today’s youth seem so anxious and confused, look no further than The Coddling of the American Mind. This essential guidebook offers real solutions to the problems that plague our society’s youngest generations. It provides valuable insight into how overprotection and “safetyism” can lead to more fear rather than more safety. Through relatable anecdotes and research-backed evidence, Haidt and Lukianoff prove that good intentions do not always lead to positive outcomes. They also offer practical advice on how parents, educators, and even students can help promote mental health. If you are interested in improving our society’s outlook on mental health and wellbeing, then pick up The Coddling of the American Mind today!
Product Details
| Product Name | Description |
|---|---|
| The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure | This book is written by three experts in adolescent mental health—Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt, and free speech advocate Nico Perrino—who look closely at the new trends in parenting, education, and politics that are creating a generation of young people who are less resilient, more prone to extreme emotions, and unable to cope with opposing ideas. |
| Author | Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt, and Nico Perrino |
| Publisher | Penguin Publishing Group |
| Publication Date | September 4, 2018 |
| Print Length | 320 pages |
| Language | English |
| ISBN-10 | 0735224897 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0735224894 |
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure Pros and Cons
1. Pros:
The Coddling of the American Mind offers an insightful and incisive look into how well-meaning intentions can have unintended consequences for our society, especially for younger generations. It examines the rise in anxiety, depression, and suicide among young people, and puts forth potential solutions to help address these issues. The book is full of interesting anecdotes and case studies that illustrate the authors’ points, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in mental health.
2. Cons:
One potential downside of The Coddling of the American Mind is that it could be seen as overly critical of certain groups or ideologies. While the authors make a sincere effort to present both sides of an issue, their arguments may come across as one-sided to some readers. Additionally, the book does not provide any concrete solutions or strategies for addressing mental health issues, which could leave some readers feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.
Who are They for
The Coddling of the American Mind is an important book for parents and educators alike. Written by two leading experts on the psychology of youth, the book examines how good intentions are leading to bad ideas and setting up a generation for failure. It provides insight into why young people today struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, while offering practical solutions to help them develop resilience and thrive. With its clear and compelling argumentation, this book is sure to spark meaningful conversations about how we raise our children in today’s society.
My Experience for The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

When I was growing up, it felt like there were no rules. We had plenty of freedom and independence in our lives. But now, it seems like the world is becoming increasingly more complicated and rigid. That’s why I’m so glad to have found The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. This book provides an incredibly insightful look into how we can help our youth better manage their expectations and achieve success.
From mental health issues to online censorship, this book covers a wide range of topics that affect today’s youth. It even delves into microaggressions, political correctness, and other important topics. By taking the time to read this book, I was able to gain a much better understanding of why these issues are so relevant today.
The Coddling of the American Mind has helped me be more aware of the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility. It also provided valuable insight into how we can teach our children about resilience and self-reflection without sacrificing their creativity or sense of individuality.
Overall, this book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand how we can create an environment where our youth can thrive without succumbing to unnecessary restrictions or worrying about failure.
What I don’t Like
1. Too much emphasis on “safe spaces“: The book’s focus on providing safe spaces for kids can be seen as emphasizing avoidance of difficult topics and ideas, rather than equipping them with the skills to engage with them in a constructive way.
2. Some of its advice is outdated: Some of the strategies suggested by the authors are outdated and may not be suitable for today’s changing social landscape.
3. Negative view of technology: The authors take a very negative view of technology, which may not be realistic or helpful in an increasingly digital world.
4. Heavy reliance on anecdote: The book relies heavily on anecdotes, which can make it hard to draw conclusions about larger trends and issues.
How to Protect Your Kids From the Negative Effects of Social Media
Do you worry about the negative effects of social media on your children? If so, it is important to read The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. This book examines how overprotective parenting could be leading to an increase in mental health issues among young people.
It is possible to protect your children from the negative effects of social media by setting clear boundaries and expectations. For example, you can limit their access to social media and make sure they are aware of the potential risks involved. Additionally, you should ensure that they have a healthy amount of time away from screens and encourage them to engage in activities such as reading, sports or creative hobbies.
You can also be a positive role model when it comes to using social media yourself. Instead of spending too much time on sites like Instagram or Twitter, focus on connecting with friends and family offline. Furthermore, be open and honest with your children when talking about what they see online and explain why certain content may not be appropriate.
Finally, teach your kids how to recognize signs of distress in themselves and others. Make sure they know that it is okay to take a break from social media if needed and reach out for support if necessary. By following these tips, you can help create a safe environment for your children when using social media.
Questions about The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure
What is The Coddling of the American Mind?
The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure is a book that examines how well-intentioned efforts to protect children from harm can paradoxically backfire, leading to an increase in anxiety and depression among young people.
How can this book help me?
This book provides an illuminating look at how overprotection and fear-mongering can lead to more harm than good, with tangible strategies for how we can create a healthier, more resilient generation of young people. By understanding the psychological research behind our current culture of coddling, readers will gain insight on how to foster resilience and psychological safety in their own lives and communities.
Who should read this book?
This book is suitable for anyone who wants to understand the underlying causes of the current mental health crisis among young people in the United States. It is especially useful for parents, educators, or policymakers who want to better understand how their actions can have positive or negative consequences on children’s mental health.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.














