Close Menu
Free-Range Kids
    Free-Range KidsFree-Range Kids
    • Home
    • TV Show
    • Press
    • Have Lenore Speak
    • FAQ
    • FRK Project
    • Book
    • Crime Stats
    • Bill of Rights
    • Laws
    • Contact
    • Donate
    • Privacy
    Free-Range Kids

    The Answer to Anxiety Does Not Lie Within (But It May Lie Within This Book)

    November 19, 2021
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Columbia University Professor Samantha Boardman is a psychiatrist — but she has come to suspect the whole psychological model might have it backwards: Rather than trying to help patients to change their thoughts as the key to changing their lives, vice versa could be the way to go.

    That’s pretty radical…and pretty helpful. In her new book, “Everyday Vitality: Turning Stress into Strength,” she argues that satisfaction doesn’t come from “within” it comes from “with.” That is, engaging WITH people, activities, interests, obligations, even nature. Think about how much better you usually feel after taking a walk, or having coffee with a friend.

    Which doesn’t mean traditional therapy is pointless. I’m a New Yorker so you KNOW I’ve had my fair share of sessions with a shrink. (More than my fair share. To repeat: I’m a New Yorker.) Talk therapy is not a license to stew or stagnate. But when dumbed down to, “Look for your broken parts and ONLY your broken parts” it can be counter-productive.

    My Q&A with Boardman is over at Let Grow — click here to read it. But I really must also recommend her book. It has already influenced my life and gotten me to say yes to things I might have passed up on.

    Let Grow believes in action when it comes to parenting, too. Until you ACTUALLY let your kids do something on their own, your brain is filled with “What if?” and “I could never forgive myself!” scenarios. These are hard to overcome without seeing FOR YOURSELF just how competent your kids can be.

    It’s like you have to leap before you look. Boardman’s book might give you a push. Good luck! — L.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Related Posts

    Camp Director Georgia Del Favero: Why I Don’t Post Daily Photos from Our Overnight Camp

    May 5, 2025

    Leaving Baby Alone in a Hotel Room with a Monitor: Is That Okay?

    May 1, 2025

    “There But For The Grace of God Go I” Parenting Pledge

    April 28, 2025

    Comments are closed.

    Sign up for Our Mailing List
    * = required field
    Free-Range Kids
    Fighting the belief that our children are in constant danger from creeps, kidnapping, germs, grades, flashers, frustration, failure, baby snatchers, bugs, bullies, men, sleepovers and/or the perils of a non-organic grape.
    Join us!
    Follow me on Twitter
    Follow me on Facebook
    Free membership card for kids: "I'm not lost! I'm a Free-Range Kid!"
    Visit Let Grow, the nonprofit promoting childhood independence
    Links
    Pro or Con?
    Why Free-Range?
    Free-Range Archives
    • 2025
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
    • 2013
    • 2012
    • 2011
    • 2010
    • 2009
    • 2008
    Copyright © 2008-2025 Free-Range Kids. All rights reserved.

    Web design by GenuineClass

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Add Free-Range Kids to your Homescreen!

    Add