Glenbard Parent Series: Dr. William Stixrud & Ned Johnson speak to GPS on their book What Do You Say? How to Talk with Kids to Build Stress Tolerance, Motivation, and a Happy Home

Monday, November 22, 2021

Dr. William Stixrud & Ned Johnson speak to GPS on their book What Do You Say? How to Talk with Kids to Build Stress Tolerance, Motivation, and a Happy Home

On Nov. 17 the Glenbard Parent Series hosted Dr William Stixrud and Ned Johnson in programs based on their most recent

book, "What Do You Say: How to Talk with Kids to Build Motivation, Stress Tolerance, and a Happy Home".

In their first book The Self-Driven Child, Dr. William Stixrud and Ned Johnson shared the tools needed to enhance a child’s drive, confidence, and healthy decision-making to move children of all ages from powerlessness to purpose. They also provided the action-steps needed to help students improve academic performance, enhance career success, and support positive emotional well-being. Stixrud and Johnson, who have 60 years combined experience talking to young people one-on-one are back to teach us “What Do You Say?” in order to help turn these concepts into action.

In their latest book, Johnson and Stixrud explains how to engage in respectful and effective dialogue, beginning with defining and demonstrating the basic principles of listening and speaking. They also teach new ways to handle the thorny topics that usually end in parent/kid standoff such as; delivering constructive feedback to kids; discussing boundaries around technology; explaining sleep and their brains; the anxiety of current events; and family problem-solving.

William R. Stixrud, Ph.D., is a clinical neuropsychologist and founder of The Stixrud Group, a lifespan neuropsychology practice. Dr. Stixrud holds a doctorate degree in School Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Ned Johnson is the president and founder of PrepMatters. Since 1993, Mr. Johnson has devoted in excess of 35,000 hours in one-on-one test prep for nearly the entire alphabet of tests. His experience includes work with all ages and abilities in preparation for SSAT and ISEE to ACT and SAT to GMAT, GRE and LSAT.

Melissa Creech, Glenbard Executive Director of Teaching and Learning welcomed the speakers and shared the following takeaway:

"A teen's strong connection with a parent is key! Without judgement, with understanding and empathy, validate their feeling to foster closeness. Teens need a sense of autonomy. Move to the role of consultant/manager and mentor rather than monitor. 'I can't make you do this. I have confidence in your decision-making.' It's essential for the adults to manage their own stress and anxiety first-calm is contagious."

To view the program go to: https://youtu.be/aYMFZPgovA0