Dr. Kevin Majeres on Anxious Generation and Bad Therapy

In this episode Dr. Kevin Majeres offers his thoughts on two recent books: Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier. Both books seek to tackle major questions such as screens and socials, overprotective parenting, anxiety and depression, and the appropriate response to those conditions. Dr. Majeres optimistically offers helpful and poignant suggestions to parents fully aware seeking to mindfully raise mindful children. Chapters 4:23 The Anxious Generation, introduction and analysis 10:39 Social media and social comparison 11:03 Proven connection between social media and anxiety, depression 15:10 Bonds formed online versus in person, the "rupture and repair" process 17:26 Primary impact on boys: video games, pornography, disengagement 22:02 Pessimism fueled by social media 24:43 Costs of screen time, impact on sleep 27:17 Screens and the left hemisphere of the brain 31:40 Children must be frustrated every day 35:31 Haidt's anti-fragile model 40:40 Debate over the age for smart phones 44:20 Bad Therapy, introduction and analysis 51:31 Educative therapy approach 56:41 Discerning necessary therapy 1:00:19 Anxiety is adrenaline waiting to be invested 1:03:58 Maintaining optimism Links: Optimal Work, Dr. Majere's online platform with podcasts and courses Optimal Work #191: How to Help an Anxious Generation Thrive Optimal Work #190: Is All Therapy Bad Therapy? Optimal Work #180: How to Discipline Your Children While Deepening Your Bond with Them The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt MIT Study on Facebook and Anxiety 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas Phelan No Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson The Gardner and the Carpenter by Alison Gopnik On McGilchrist and the Left Brain by Sebastian Reiche Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier Leonard Sax's critique of Bad Therapy Also on the Forum: Technology in the Home by Michael Moynihan From Anxiety to Adventure featuring Kevin Majeres His Anxiety and Ours featuring Alex Berthé Welcome to the Web featuring John Beatty When Is Your Son Ready for a Smart Phone? featuring Alvaro de Vicente Smart Phones: Why Wait When He's "the Only One" featuring Joe Cardenas On Freedom and Phones featuring Alvaro de Vicente