Ned Johnson on The Self-Driven Child

What’s the sense and science behind giving kids more control over their lives? Why do they deserve autonomy? Ned Johnson answers these questions in his wonderful 2018 book, The Self-Driven Child (coauthored with Bill Stixrud). In the interview Ned discusses his life as a Washington D.C. test prep tutor, the deleterious effects of stress, why kids need a sense of control in their lives, shifting from “boss” to “consultant” as a parent, the science of self-motivation, and — crucially — the role that school plays in all this. In my opinion, Ned presents a powerful case for unschooling and self-directed learning. Don’t miss his final, touching story about supporting his own daughter’s break from school. Learn more about book and its authors at theselfdrivenchild.com, and read Blake’s summary and critique of the book at https://self-directed.org/tp/give-kids-control/