Gist offers a fresh look at parenting that’s effective, efficient, and enjoyable. The focus is on instilling “life readiness” in age-appropriate ways at any stage of child-rearing. Parents who read this book will understand why their previous parenting efforts may have been frustrating and futile, and they’ll learn how to prepare “life-ready” kids with less drama and more joy. This is the latest edition with updated content.

“Gist is a potent dose of advice from a pediatrician and a child psychologist, both of whom have witnessed the unfortunate results that come when parents try to protect, prevent, and control at every turn instead of preparing their kids for life. Combining the expertise of their respective professions with very practical tips, this is a how-to manual for any parent who wants to prepare their kids to thrive as adults.” —Julie Lythcott-Haims, former dean of students, Stanford University

Gist is a powerful book that reviews and examines what the journey to adulthood entails, along with a clear look at those parenting efforts that over the years have been proven not to work. The book looks at many aspects of life that wouldn’t typically be associated with parenting. Its focus on life readiness offers parents a new lens through which to see their parenting interactions and translates to an approach that eliminates many of the power struggles and ineffective patterns that can rob families of much of their joy.