Michele Borba has been a teacher, educational consultant and parent for many years, and she has never been more worried about kids than she is right now.  She describes our kids today as strivers—educated, motivated and more privileged than ever before, yet depressed, lonely and empty, and this is according to hundreds of interviews she has done with kids throughout the country.  I had the opportunity to read her book—THRIVERS—and present her with questions. This book is a MUST READ for any parent!

Can you describe todays’ typical “Striver” and what is preventing them from being today’s “Thriver”?

A “thriver” is a kid who has a sense of agency and skills of reslience. So, when he’s faced with a challenge he is more likely to say, “I’ve got this” and not rely on adults for rescue. The result is that he’s more likely to bounce back and succeed. Strivers are kids who want to succeed but when faced with challenges rarely go the full 9 yards and overcome. The biggest reason is that that lack the skills of resilience that could help them do so. Reasons that prevent them from becoming a Thriver are many. We have done too much … Continue reading..