Over 40% of American teenagers report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a crisis declared by the U.S. Surgeon General.
A Clinical Professor Proposes a Solution: Grandparents
Kenneth Barish, Ph.D., Clinical Professor of Psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine, argues in his new book "The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting" that the decline of extended family support is a key driver of this crisis.
The core problem, according to Barish: American society has become excessively focused on individual achievement, which he links to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse among young people.
Key Recommendations for Families
Drawing on four decades of clinical work, Barish offers specific guidance for parents and grandparents:
- Emotional Support: Grandparents should provide emotional support through listening and encouragement. Barish describes these acts as "molecules of emotional health."
- Praise Strategy: Praise a child's effort and learning process, not their intelligence or grades. This approach is based on Carol Dweck's "growth mindset" concept.
- Family Activities: Volunteer together and hold family conversations about kindness and empathy from an early age to strengthen a child's sense of purpose.
- Conflict Resolution: Engage children in collaborative problem-solving and offer opportunities for a "reset" instead of punishment.
"The expectation of being heard and understood provides protection against emotional challenges."
— Kenneth Barish, Ph.D.
The Most Common Family Problem
Contrary to popular concerns about over-praising, Barish states that the most common problem he observes in families is excessive criticism.
The Research Behind the Advice
Barish highlights research by psychologist Jane Piliavin showing that helping others is associated with higher self-esteem, lower depression rates, and improved immune function.
About the Book
The book outlines 21 principles for encouraging cooperation, based on scientific research and the author's clinical experience spanning four decades.