The Price of Privilege

How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids

By: Madeline Levine PhD

Narrated by: Jo Anna Perrin

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.

©2006 Madeline Levine, PhD (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Well-organized chapters help parents understand how to take the time and show the patience to help their children realize their potential." ( Library Journal)

The reader

The reader was so bad . It went fast and in a very monotone voice . It made very difficult to stay focus

Review of The Price of Privilege

Loved it! A must read for parents, or anyone who works with kids and tweens.

so helpful. easy to follow.

Although I was a little wary of the reader's voice at first, I got used to it and even found it most appropriate for the content. I know my family will be better off because of what I've learned. Thank you, Dr. Levine.

Eye opening analysis of a parenting dilemma

Parents they worked a lifetime to give their offspring ‘the opportunities we didn’t have’ and engage in helicopter parenting to bring early advantages to them, neglect to properly weigh the impact of a values based and learn to fend for yourself education what made us who we are. Then we’re in shock to see all these kids of privilege with anxiety problems and without copping skills. While we’re blessed with great kids, I can see that I am guilty and wish I had read this when my kiddos were younger.

Robotic narration

Good content and lots of good ideas.
Awful to listen to - the narrator sounds like a machine. I have never heard a person speak like her - it's almost creepy.

Good information

Overall this book was helpful and informative. The first half of the book made me feel like a horrible parent but the last chapter, about support for mothers, was excellent. However, given the sensitive topic, the narrator should have been chosen better. Her voice was condescending and judgmental. It would have played better with someone warm and engaging.

Wow! If you are middle to upper income it’s a must read!

Think you know how to parent, nope! If you think you are doing the best for your child by giving them “ more than I had”, you need to read this!

Excellent

I’m a pediatrician raising a teenager and I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s evidence-based and poignant at the same time. The voice of the author encourages self reflection and is so timely to the challenges of parenting these days.

Excellent message; however, repetitious

I feel this book could accomplish the same purpose in half the space or less.

Overworked & Overwhelmed Moms Especially Need This

So thought provoking ... and such good common sense. Terrific insights and suggestions for ALL parents regardless of economic station, but especially for high net worth families, their advisors like me, and for the next generations the parents are responsible for "unleashing" out into the world. The last chapter is a must read for every mother that cares about the challenging roles of wife, mother ... employed in or out of the home. Thank you for this book and the wisdom (and vulnerability) you have shared!
R. J. Kelly