Back in 2014, Greg Lukianoff asked Jonathan Haidt to help him solve a riddle. For as long as Lukianoff had worked in academia, it was college administrators who were the ones initiating the call for campus censorship, however, in the last couple of years the pendulum had swung and now it was the students demanding more censorship. Campuses now use "safe spaces" and "bias response teams" and they're hyperfocused on things like "microaggressions" and "trigger warnings."

What happened?

They partnered up to write one of the most popular articles ever to be published by The Atlantic, The Coddling of the American Mind. They seized the opportunity to expand on this idea and wrote The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting up a Generation for Failure.

I was intrigued by every door they opened up throughout this book. While I pull some more interesting points related to parents as takeaways below, there are plenty of other actionable takeaways for those who aren’t parents as well.

I highly recommend reading this.

A staggering 80 percent of a child's learning within their first 12 years is dependent on their visual abilities. When there’s a suspicion that a child has a behavioral issue, a learning disorder, or a mood disorder such as anxiety or depression, it’s vision deficits that can often be the main reason.

According to 20/20 On Site, “More than one in 20 preschool-age children and one in four school-age children have a vision disorder.” While routine eye exams are crucial, some visual issues may require additional intervention.

Vision therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment option that can address various visual challenges in children. Occupational therapists can also work alongside optometrists and vision therapists to address visual, sensory, and motor impairments that are closely related to a child's visual skills. By recognizing the signs that your child may benefit from vision therapy, you can take proactive steps to support their visual development and overall well-being.

My kids are the single greatest source of joy in my life. But sometimes they just do really annoying things that frustrate the heck out of me. They have tantrums, they refuse to eat foods they’ve eaten 100 times before, they just barely cross the line of every boundary we’ve set, and they’re little angels to teachers, grandparents, and strangers but turn into Angelica Pickles as soon as they lay eyes on my wife or I.

As difficult as it is for the logical part of my brain to comprehend, it turns out that not only are these developmentally appropriate behaviors but they may also be signs of growth and intelligence.

Let’s dive in.

Learn why vegetable oils (also called seed oils) are bad and what the best replacement oils are.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Growth Kit! Today's episode is brought to you by a very special guest, my 6-year-old nephew Flynn.

Flynn and my sister have been on quite a journey, learning and growing alongside Laura Petix, also known as the OT Butterfly. Laura is an occupational therapist specializing in the field of neurodiversity, and she's the author of the insightful book "A Kid's Book About Neurodiversity." Flynn himself falls under the umbrella of neurodiversity, and as the biggest fan of my MindBodyDad blog and this podcast, he had a great idea to interview Laura himself. So, without further ado, I present to you Flynn's interview with Laura Petix.

Part 2 of the best tips to lower your body fat percentage.

If you look at the top goals for people’s physical health, number one is typically fat loss, and justifiably so.

The goal of "losing weight," however, is a bit of a misnomer. For most people, the goal is more specifically to lose fat and to gain muscle, a trendy term called body composition.

I've written about how to build mass so today I'll discuss the other component of body recomposition: fat loss.

The purpose of having a healthy body fat percentage goes well beyond aesthetics. Excess body fat can increase the risk of health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. High levels of body fat can also lead to decreased mobility, increased joint pain, and decreased energy levels, among other negative effects. By contrast, maintaining a healthy body fat percentage can improve physical performance, enhance mental clarity and focus, and promote longevity.

Let’s dive in.

If you have a kid, you have a parenting style that fits into one of four boxes: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, or uninvolved.

These styles date back to the 1960’s when the psychologist Diana Baumrind first identified three of them (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive), and then the psychologists Maccoby and Martin added a fourth style, neglectful or uninvolved parenting, in the 1980s.

Baumrind’s theory has been heavily researched and widely accepted and has helped to shape our understanding of the different ways in which parents can influence the development and well-being of our children.

Through this research, there is one style that stands above the rest: the authoritative parenting style. Time and time again, this style is linked to great parents based on the strong outcomes of their kids. The good news is that your parenting style isn’t fixed. While it will take effort to modify behaviors and maybe even your relationship with your kids, you have the opportunity to change.

Read the breakdown, identify your style, and strive to raise better kids.

Alzheimer's disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. This chronic neurodegenerative disease is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, including memory, thinking, and judgment. It’s commonly held that there’s no effective way to treat or reverse Alzheimer's disease, but then comes this new approach.

In his book, The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age, Dr. Dale Bredesen offers a new approach to preventing and reversing Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Bredesen is a neurologist and neuroscientist who has been studying Alzheimer's disease for over 20 years. Using evidence-based research and anecdotal data from the patients he works with, he has developed a comprehensive yet individualized program that addresses the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, rather than just the symptoms. The program identifies 36 metabolic factors (micronutrients, diet, exercise, hormones, sleep, stress management, supplements, etc.) that help to prevent and reverse Alzheimer’s.

What I like about this approach is that it’s functional, that is it addresses the root causes without using the bandaid approach. Since Alzheimer’s is progressive, a diagnosis tends to come well the disease has already made the brain its home and the onset of those early stages are often preceded by years and decades of poor, but preventable, health habits. The approach used in this book, therefore is a way to not only to treat and reverse Alzheimer’s but as a way to minimize the risk of cognitive decline and other health concerns as we age.

The Growth Kit goes very, very deep on how to make the healthiest cup of coffee. Coffee is generally very healthy but what is that cup you’re making in the morning is actually toxic? Here is how to make the healthiest cup of coffee without the toxins.

The Growth Kit podcast dives into The 4-Hour Body. Tim Ferriss's journey from the groundbreaking success of 'The 4-Hour Workweek' to his ventures in podcasting and psychedelics at Johns Hopkins. Delve into the insights of 'The 4-Hour Body,' a comprehensive guide covering muscle gain, sleep, nutrition, and more. Discover three enduring lessons that continue to impact readers from Ferriss's influential book.

Raising toddlers is a rewarding yet challenging phase of parenting that often leaves caregivers searching for guidance and effective strategies. Toddlers are constantly exploring the world around them, asserting their independence, and developing their personalities. As a parent or caregiver, understanding the unique needs and behaviors of toddlers is essential to provide them with the support and guidance they require during this crucial stage of development.

In this podcast, I’ve compiled a list of practical tips for parenting toddlers. Some are simple (have snacks at the ready on trips), others require some effort (making a balance beam), and yet others are just adulting reminders (make that will).

Learn all about shoulder impingement syndrome, a prevalent and often painful condition that can affect anyone. We'll dive into its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, helping you understand how to recognize this common shoulder issue. Discover effective strategies for preventing shoulder impingement and managing its symptoms, and find out how you can stay proactive in promoting your shoulder health. If you suspect you may have shoulder impingement, our article also provides insight into easy diagnostic tests and exercises that can help improve your condition. Don't let shoulder impingement hold you back; take control of your shoulder health today.

Shoulder impingement syndrome, or subacromial impingement, occurs when the shoulder structures are compressed, leading to pain and limited mobility. Understanding the anatomy and causes is crucial. Learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods for shoulder impingement, a condition that affects individuals of all ages. Get familiar with the diagnostic tests used to identify shoulder impingement and effective treatment options. Whether you're dealing with shoulder pain or looking to prevent it, our comprehensive guide provides valuable insights to help you maintain optimal shoulder health.

Three takeaways from Think Again by Adam Grant. Learn about the surprising impact of household conflict on kids, what the best negotiators do, and the case against valedictorians.

In my role as an occupational therapist (OT), I engage with individuals facing some of life's most challenging moments. These individuals often find themselves in both physical and mental adversity. However, they partner with me to regain a measure of independence, address vulnerabilities, and strive for personal growth.

Each encounter with these resilient individuals offers a valuable opportunity for self-discovery. The impact of every moment is profound, dependent on the depth of my engagement. Initially, these experiences are intriguing insights or "a-ha" moments, but over time, they coalesce into discernible patterns and transformative lessons that I can apply to various aspects of my life. Here, I share the first installment of the lessons I've gleaned as an occupational therapist.

In the last 150 years, we've moved from horses to cars and landed on the moon, yet in schools, not much has changed. School curriculums should. Here are things every kid should learn that they probably aren't.

What’s the minimum effective dose of strength training for health (and aesthetic) benefits? Here is the science-based protocol that breaks down the frequency, volume, intensity, and rest periods needed for lifting the minimum amount.

The average person spends about ⁠18 days of the year⁠ in their car. That time can be spent listening to the formulaic complaining on sports radio while getting annoyed at the traffic around you, or it can be spent becoming healthier.

Yes, you can develop healthy car habits to not only manage stress and learn, but you can also become stronger while driving. Here are 9 ways to take advantage of that time spent on the commute.

Saying “be careful” sounds harmless but it may have a negative impact on your child’s development. Learn why this is a concern, the importance of kids experiencing risk according to science, and what to say instead of “be careful.”

Unlock the secret to perfect sleep with our 8 essential behavior tactics. Discover the power of sleep and why it's vital for your well-being. From morning sunlight to grounding and smart nutrition choices, we've got you covered for a better night's rest. Improve your sleep behavior now!