Hello, Cruel World! Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times

Moyer (How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes), a journalist and mother of two, delivers a robust survey of the scientific research on raising children. Citing studies that found self-compassionate kids bounce back more quickly from challenges, Moyer urges parents to teach their children to treat themselves kindly by praising them for effort rather than achievement, which communicates that mistakes are an inevitable part of improvement and that kids shouldn’t berate themselves when they happen. To assist children with navigating the digital world, Moyer contends that parents should evaluate whether their children are mature enough to understand a device’s risks before giving them one and instill media literacy by prompting kids to consider such questions as “Why was this made, and why is it being presented this way?” The reliance on academic studies bolsters the guidance, and the focus on raising good community members places a distinctive emphasis on social justice. For instance, she recommends educating children about the structural causes of gender, racial, and economic inequities, pointing out research showing that kids as young as three-and-a-half pick up on the privileged social status of certain identity groups and assume such disparities reflect differences in ability unless told otherwise. Parents would do well to check out this rigorous manual. Agent: Larry Weissman, Larry Weissman Literary. (May)