Book Review: 4/5 Impact On Me (Book By Jonathan Haidt)
Read more about the book here
I've been thinking a lot about how to handle challenges as my kid(s) grow up. I'm wondering how much freedom to give my teenager in a few years and how to track his location. I also think about screen time, like how much video-watching is okay so I can work. I'm curious about how to involve him in household activities, like cooking or laundry. I'm also concerned about what kind of phone he'll have in the future. This book touches on all those books. I loved the author's previous books. I like related books - "Stolen Focus" and "Indistractible".
Girls often search for a sense of community online, while boys look for activities that show their independence. The book points out that smartphones and social media, like Instagram and selfie cameras, have harmed teenage girls. They create a trend that affects their self-esteem. The most successful tech companies use these insights to hook teenagers, making them anxious or socially dysfunctional. For boys, the book discussed issues like explicit videos and endless online gaming.
I liked the book's idea of marking some ages as significant milestones, like ages 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18. I've decided to let my four-year-old face small frustrations daily but avoid chronic stress. For example, he doesn't always get what he wants, or sometimes we 'promise' something and then explain why we can't follow through. This approach helps him learn that not every request will be fulfilled. Related - that he can help around the house.
I'm concerned about tracking my child's location now and in the future, I've decided I'll not aim for it.
This book's impact was 4 out of 5 because it gave me actionable steps for now and things to consider for the future. However, I didn't rate it 5 out of 5 because I can't take full action until my child becomes a teenager.