Kids These Days

Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and teen suicide are rising sharply—youth mental health issues have increased over 60% in the past decade. In Kids These Days , experts Will Dobud, PhD and Nevin Harper, PhD reveal why today's kids are struggling and what adults must do differently. Endorsed by Paris Hilton, Dr. Bruce D. Perry, and Alex Hutchinson, this research-based guide delivers practical strategies for building resilience, connection, and autonomy in the next generation. What You'll Learn Why anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges are symptoms, not root causes How overprotection, screen time, disconnection, and adult interference affect youth mental health Insights from 20+ years of clinical experience and adolescent psychology for raising emotionally resilient teens Why traditional talk therapy, diagnoses, and medication often miss the mark How to build trust, connection, and autonomy with kids—even in crisis Why This Book Stands Out Written by practitioners with decades of experience in outdoor therapy, youth work, and trauma-informed care Grounded in research and filled with expert insights from parenting and psychology professionals Offers practical strategies parents, educators, and youth mentors can apply immediately A refreshing alternative to books that pathologize or try to "fix" kids Endorsed by Leading Voices "This is a crucial read for anyone living or working with children and youth. Highly recommended." — Dr. Bruce D. Perry, co-author of What Happened to You? "A fresh, provocative look at the challenges facing our kids in today's world." — Alex Hutchinson, New York Times bestselling author of Endure Perfect for readers of The Anxious Generation , Hold On to Your Kids , and Free-Range Kids . Whether you're a parent, teacher, youth worker, or therapist, Kids These Days will change how you see the next generation—and your role in helping them thrive. Our kids aren't broken. But the system is. Let's change the story. Buy Kids These Days today —your guide to raising strong, connected, and capable young people. AWARDS FINALIST | 2025 Forward INDIES - Family & Relationships SILVER | 2026 IPPY Awards - Psychology/Mental Health

Discover why most attempts to fix teenagers fail and what to do about it Anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance use disorders, and teen suicide--despite having more counselors, educators, experts, and medications than ever before, today's young people are said to be suffering from a mental health epidemic. Exploring a range of factors contributing to this wicked problem--from social media, overprotection, and environmental toxins to the erosion of connection-- Kids These Days clearly identifies what works for raising happy and healthy youth, and what does not. This essential guide is an unflinching examination of the failings of the mental health industry, and a call to action for adults to stand up against interference, harmful interventions, and ideologies negatively impacting our children. Both therapists, parents, and researchers, Will Dobud and Nevin Harper: Engage leading voices in adolescent well-being--mental health professionals, scientists, doctors, and parenting gurus--to discover why most attempts to fix teenagers fail Distill the last twenty years of research and clinical practice to identify the causes and potential cures for the growing youth mental health crisis Show how social connection, mastery, gratitude, and independence promote emotional and psychological resilience in the next generation. It's time to stop labeling youth and recognize them as the heroes of their own stories. Whether as parents, guardians, therapists, educators, or other role models, we need to build trust and foster relationships while helping the young people in our lives negotiate the adventure of adolescence. Our kids are not broken. What really needs to change is the adults these days.