Pushing Our Kids Too Hard: On Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace

Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger

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Jennifer Wallace is a journalist and author specializing in psychology, parenting, and health. Her new book 'Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It' delves into our modern dilemma of busyness, achievement, credentialing, and status-seeking. Katie Couric calls the New York Times best-seller 'Never Enough; “a wake up call for all of us.” A frequent contributor to the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, Jennifer’s work explores the intersection of societal trends and individual well-being. In this conversation, Jennifer and I discuss:

• What Harvard can and can’t do for you (or your child)
• The 6 factors that contribute to a great college experience
• Why it matters that our kids know they matter
• Stress, grind culture, and mental health\
• The importance of chores for children and teens
• The family chore that young Jennifer put off until Sunday night
• What Alanis Morissette was telling us in her song ‘Perfect'

"Sometimes is never quite enough

If you're flawless, then you'll win my love"

-Alanis Morissette, Perfect

👂Check out the book on Jennie's website here and follow her on Instagram here.👂

🎤 See Paul’s stand-up and random thoughts on Instagram here. 🎤