Children need wings, not helicopters!

Better happy than perfect!

How can parents encourage their children's independence and confidence without burning out themselves? Often parents tend to take on the role of "helicopter parents," wanting to solve their children's every problem. But the more control is exerted, the more out of control the children themselves feel. This can lead to a variety of problems, from tantrums in toddlers to an increased risk of drug and alcohol use in adolescence.

Experienced psychologist Emily Edlynn has developed a proven parenting method to encourage autonomy in children while taking the burden off parents. Through practical strategies based on the needs for relatedness, competence and independence, parents can find a healthy balance. This approach helps children feel more comfortable and be more successful in adulthood.

Trust yourself and your children! The science-based approach of Autonomy-Supportive Parenting shows you how to empower your children, build a healthy relationship, reduce the risk of burnout and achieve long-term positive results for the entire family.

Voices on the original edition “Autonomy-Supportive Parenting”

" Autonomy-Supportive Parenting is exactly the guide parents need to raise independent, competent, and conscious children. Dr. Edlynn describes the ideal alternative to 'helicopter' or 'laissez faire' parenting by providing concrete examples and guidance for each step of parenting. This clear, understandable, and practical guide, based on science but written for real life, is a must-have for all parents."
Lisa Damour , PHD, author of When Daughters Grow Up , Under Pressure and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

"If you like the idea of ​​being smart, trustworthy and independent, just imagine how much others like that too - for example your children. Here comes the book that makes the arguments for giving your kids the space and support to try things out, to fall flat on their faces sometimes and to ultimately get it right. Because - unfortunately - it all goes together."
Lenore Skenazy , president of Let Grow and author of Free-Range Kids

"In a world that has taken 'parenting' to extremes in worrying and often detrimental ways, Dr. Edlynn's book offers a rare, refreshing perspective. With psychology as her guiding light, Dr. Edlynn encourages parents to take a step back and explains, in her typically pragmatic and often humorous way, the benefits of doing so for children and families. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting is exactly the guide we all need in these difficult times. It combines fundamental research with concrete instructions and biographical (and all too relatable!) anecdotes from the bustle of everyday life. As a child psychologist and mother, I plan to keep the book on my bedside table for a long time to come."
Dr. Rebecca Hershberg , psychologist, coach and author of The Tantrum Survival Guide

"As a mother of two children aged eight and eleven, and as a psychologist specializing in parenting stress, this book struck a chord with me! Edlynn succeeds in translating scientific principles into user-friendly strategies that help parents raise their children to be independent, self-confident people. I particularly like how candidly she shares her own experiences and devotes separate sections to domestic, school and social challenges. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting provides clear reasons for how important it is to raise children to be independent, and a roadmap for how to do this. I can't wait to recommend this important book to my patients!"
Ilyse Dobrow Dimarco , PHD, clinical psychologist and author of Mom Brain

"This book is for every parent whose children refuse to brush their teeth, turn off their cell phones, or wear long pants in the winter. Drawing on the science of empowering parenting, vivid stories, common sense, and warm humor, Dr. Edlynn offers an indispensable guide for every stage of parenting. I should probably distribute this book to every parent in my therapy practice and circle of friends!"
Yael Schonbrun , PHD, psychologist, author of the book Work, Parent, Thrive and one of the hosts of the podcast Psychologists Off the Clock