MY BOOK

Autonomy-Supportive Parenting

Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent, Confident Children

Women holding parenting book on her lap
Autonomy Supportive Parenting book cover

About the book

We have learned the perils of intensive parenting, but how do we shift gears to supporting our children’s independence and confidence? How can we do less so they do more?

This book translates the science of autonomy-supportive parenting, well-supported in psychological research for the last 30 years, to real-life strategies in our homes and families. This approach not only benefits our children, but us too! Parents who use autonomy-supportive parenting are less stressed, their kids have greater overall well-being and success in adulthood, and the parent-child relationships are close and connected. It’s a win-win for healthier children and parents, and a path forward to achieve a more sustainable family life.

What is autonomy-supportive parenting? Autonomy means behaving in alignment with values, and discovering our authentic self. What more could we want for our children? The heart of autonomy-supportive parenting is using a set of science-based strategies (e.g., empathy, perspective-taking, offering choices, involving kids in decision-making) to nurture three fundamental human needs: relatedness, competence, and autonomy. I make sense of the science in real-life parenting dilemmas across key areas of family life, such as social skills, digital citizenship, emotional well-being, and managing money, to name just a few.

  • "Essential reading for any parent wanting to raise an independent and confident child. "

    “Dr. Edlynn not only delivers a science-based framework, she does it in a relatable way that makes you feel understood and empowered instead of blamed and guilty. Autonomy-Supportive Parentingexpertlyblends science and real life to offer an invaluable and practical roadmap for parents to parent with their best selves and raise children who know their best selves too. This parenting book is a game-changer and will surely earn a permanent spot on the shelf!”

    ―Michèle Borba, Ed.D., educational psychologist and author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reason Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine

  • “If the idea of being a smart, trusted, and independent person appeals to you, think how much it appeals to other people—like your kids."

    “Here's a book that makes the case for giving your kids the space and support to explore, stumble, and succeed. Because, alas, they all go together.”

    ―Lenore Skenazy, president, Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids

  • “Would-be happier parents: read this!”

    “Edlynn’s practical, science-based approach will bring more joy into your day-to-day by offering both the reasoning behind an autonomy-supportive approach and actionable suggestions for getting there.”

    —KJ Dell'Antonia, Author of How to be a Happier Parent

Dr. Emily Edlynn contributes to and is featured in:

At any age, big feelings can be overwhelming but letting yourself be in your feels (no matter how uncomfortable) is really okay, totally normal, and even good for you.

Kids experience stress and anxiety much like we do, but they don’t have the tools to deal just yet. I’ve collaborated on a journal I feel can aid in the management of stress and anxiety, while building confidence with 50 fun writing and drawing prompts.

Basic emotions–happiness, sadness, anxiety or worry, and anger–are experienced by all people and make us who we are. This beautifully illustrated journal explains what a feeling is and equips middle grade readers and writers with a coping toolbox to better identify their triggers and develop their social and emotional skills. Chapters divided by the most common emotions (including pride, fear, grief, embarrassment and guilt) allow kids to explore their relationship with each emotion and identify moments when they feel that way.

As kids work through the prompts, they will discover how to handle their feelings like a pro and feel more confident about their relationships with friends and family. Plus parents and caregivers will feel reassured that kids have more coping strategies for when tough times come around.

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