Risk Reaps Rewards with Dr. Leonard and Sarah Sax

The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.

In *Boys Adrift*, Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on more than twenty years of clinical experience to explain why boys and young men are failing in school and disengaged at home. He identifies five key factors: changes in school environments, the impact of video games, the misuse of stimulant medications for ADHD, the presence of endocrine disruptors, and the lack of positive male role models. Sax presents practical solutions, including strategies for educators to re-engage boys in school and tips for parents on managing homework, video games, and medication. The book emphasizes the need to address these issues to improve the well-being and future prospects of boys and young men.

In 'Why Gender Matters,' Dr. Leonard Sax delves into the biologically programmed differences between boys and girls, discussing how these differences affect their perception, learning, emotional processing, and risk-taking behaviors. The book addresses various issues such as discipline, education, and the impact of social media and video games on children. Sax argues that failing to recognize these differences can lead to reinforcing damaging stereotypes and failing to support children in reaching their full potential. The second edition includes new research on gender non-conforming, LGB, and transgender children, as well as the medicalization of misbehavior and the importance of adapting educational practices to accommodate these differences.

In 'Girls on the Edge', psychologist and physician Leonard Sax argues that many girls today have a brittle sense of self, appearing confident and strong on the outside but fragile within. Sax identifies four key factors threatening girls' psychological growth: sexual identity, the cyberbubble, obsessions, and environmental toxins. He provides parents with practical tips on limiting social media use, choosing sports, and nurturing their daughters' spirits through female-centered activities. The book offers a compelling and inspiring path to a new future for today's girls and young women.