The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids

In this ground-breaking book on the children of affluence, a well-known clinical psychologist exposes the epidemic of emotional problems that are disabling America’s privileged youth, thanks, in large part, to normalized, intrusive parenting that stunts the crucial development of the self.

In recent years, numerous studies have shown that bright, charming, seemingly confident and socially skilled teenagers from affluent, loving families are experiencing epidemic rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders—rates higher than in any other socioeconomic group of American adolescents. Materialism, pressure to achieve, perfectionism, and disconnection are combining to create a perfect storm that is devastating children of privilege and their parents alike.

In this eye-opening, provocative, and essential book, clinical psychologist Madeline Levine explodes one child-rearing myth after another. With empathy and candor, she identifies toxic cultural influences and well-intentioned, but misguided, parenting practices that are detrimental to a child's healthy self-development. Her thoughtful, practical advice provides solutions that will enable parents to help their emotionally troubled "star" child cultivate an authentic sense of self.

• Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success
• Teach Your Children Well: Why Values and Coping Skills Matter More Than Grades, Trophies, or "Fat Envelopes"
• How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success
• How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success
• Something Seems Strange: Critical Essays on Christianity, Public Policy, and Contemporary Culture
• A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles
• Excellent Sheep: The Miseducation of the American Elite and the Way to a Meaningful Life
• The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed
• Sin, Pride & Self-Acceptance: The Problem of Identity in Theology & Psychology
• The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee: Raising Self-Reliant Children