Part one: Problems. Introduction: parents adrift -- The culture of disrespect -- Why are so many kids overweight? -- Why are so many kids on medication? -- Why are American students falling behind? -- Why are so many kids so fragile? -- Part two: Solutions. What matters? -- Misconceptions -- The first thing: teach humility -- The second thing: enjoy -- The third thing: the meaning of life -- Conclusion

Physician, psychologist, and author Leonard Sax presents data documenting a dramatic decline in the achievement and psychological health of American children. But there is hope. Sax shows how parents can help their kids by reasserting their authority--by limiting time with screens, by encouraging better habits at the dinner table and at bedtime, and by teaching humility and perspective

Rising levels of obesity, depression, and anxiety among young people can all be traced to parents who let their kids call the shots. Sax argues that kids today are suffering because their parents are no longer in charge--and explains what parents and educators can do to reverse this trend. He offers a blueprint parents can use to refresh and renew their relationships with their children, to help their children thrive in an increasingly complicated world