Table of Contents
Let Them Be Kids: A Manifesto ix
1 Why Childhood Matters 1
2 The Gift of Adventure 19
Bringing Back Skinned Knees, Secret Forts, and Yard Games
3 The Gift of Boredom 48
Why Kids Need Mental White Space
4 The Gift of Being Uncool 67
How and Why to Let Your Kids Be Awkward
5 The Gift of Imagination 88
Creative Play, Saving Reading, and a Family Technology Manifesto
6 The Gift of Balance 114
Sports and Extracurriculars Are Awesome (Except When They're Not)
7 The Gift of Grit 131
Instilling Work Ethic, Handling Failure, and Other Lessons from Our Neighborhood Pet-Sitting Business
8 The Gift of Manners and Kindness 148
How I Taught My Kids to Look Adults in the Eye (and Other Long-Lost Courtesies)
9 The Gift of Family 162
Why Kids Need a Tribe and They Need It to Be You
10 The Gift of Innocence 178
The Blessing of Not Being a Grown-Up
11 The Gift of Faith 199
Grace for Kids (and Parents) Who Mess Up
Family Mission Statement 215
Resources 217
Books to Read with Your Kids Before They Leave Home 217
Movies to Watch As a Family Before Your Kids Leave Home 220
Conversations to Have with Your Kids Before They Leave Home 223
Things Children Should Always Have on Hand 226
Best Family Games 227
Acknowledgments 229
Notes 233
About the Author 239