The book is NOT “Bringing up misfits”

Last week there was a lively discussion on the Wall Street Journal blog “The Juggle” about my book. Thanks to Stefanie Illgenfritz for bringing the book to the attention of Juggle readers – and as well for joining me on Wednesday’s edition of NPR’s “On Point with Tom Ashbrook” to discuss it.

I always knew my take on parenting would seem offbeat to some, and that’s OK. The fact that I define my family as “geeky” strikes some folks as unflattering, but it never seemed that way to me. We’re comfortable with who we are and around our house we try not to take ourselves too seriously, anyway.

But it turns out that many folks assume – at least in WSJ blog comments – that I’m advocating a parenting strategy that turns out social misfits. Ack! Nothing could be further from the truth!

Nor am I promoting the idea that parents should mold and control the personalities of their children. For some reason, saying that I think parents ought to monitor and limit the influence of media in the lives of their kids equates to some people the notion that I’m out to produce Stepford children who robotically respond to every parental command.

If you met any one of my four children, you’d know that my husband and I aren’t raising social misfits or adolescent automatons. They’re all lively, unique and outspoken. Moreover, the fact that we guide them in decision-making when they’re young has resulted in teens who make terrific decisions for themselves.

So why the misconceptions? I guess the word geek is more highly charged than I anticipated and some folks aren’t willing to use a label they view as unappealing. Others seem to think that an argument for strong, hands-on parenting suggests an authoritarian style.

All I can say is, you gotta read the book! My use of the word “geek” as an acronym for Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids should tell you that I’m writing with a sense of humor and a point of view that puts kids’ authentic personalities and their ultimate autonomy at the forefront.

I do believe it’s time to redefine what’s cool for our kids rather than let the culture encroach into our homes with all its materialism and cynicism and celebrity. At our house, the alternative is bringing up geeks (and that’s a good thing!)