How to Suppress Self-Reliance

Most parents want their children to become capable adults who can think for themselves, solve problems, and take responsibility for their lives. But learning to do those things takes practice—and sometimes our efforts to help leave little room for it.

What if the goal were to cultivate dependence instead? How would you discourage initiative and convince someone they always need another person to step in?

One of the newest books in the Backwards Blueprint series, How to Suppress Self-Reliance: 10 Reasons to Cultivate Dependence approaches self-reliance by exploring its opposite. It’s an invitation for families to consider what helps people become more capable and what gets in the way.