If you are a regular listener of Joe Rogan’s hit podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, then you have almost certainly listened to one of Joe’s reoccurring guests---and longtime close friend—Bryan Callen.
He is one of the more entertaining guests that is on the podcast, mainly because he is extremely funny, quirky, but also because he is surprisingly intelligent for such a goof. He has a surprising amount of knowledge on a wide array of topics, and is clearly a deep thinker and intellect.
This may have something to do with him living abroad as a child and moving to different countries to live as a result of his father’s job.
Whatever the origins, Callen clearly is clearly smart and a well-read person. So anytime he suggests a book on the JRE podcast, I take note. Then I will look into the book and see if it is worth buying.
And so it was with JRE podcast #1449 when Callen was the sole guest.
When the topic came to kids and the issues they have with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, Callen brought up a book he had read recently and said he wished he had read it when his children were much younger.
The book is called Raising Lions which is self-described as “The art of compassionate discipline.” Callen, a father himself, couldn’t recommend it enough, and given his demonstrated intelligence, it quickly drew me in—as I have young kids myself.
The gist of the book is that there has been a major shift in the culture of raising children and that we, as a society, have shifted to a norm of undermining parental authority, which has lead to an increase in behavioral issues in children, including anxiety.
The solution offered is to explore non-punitive measures to help parents restore their authority in their children’s lives and get them on track to being healthy and confident adults.
In short, the book is a guide on how to raise your children to become lions instead of lambs.
The main premise in achieving this is teaching children how to self-regulate their behavior. While that seems like a simple idea, it is novel in the way parents are encouraged to approach it.
If you are a parent and want to get as much good information on how to raise your children into capable adults, then this is an excellent book for you.
Or, if you are a grade school teacher, this would also be an excellent read, as it would not only make you a better educator, but it would help you understand the child-behavior dynamic a little better.
And this book isn’t some lengthy, drawn-out self-help guide filled with example after example, and offering very little actual guidance.
Raising Lions is not too long and is concise and informative, offering a great balance of practical instruction and anecdotal stories.
Like Bryan Callen, I highly recommend this book!
RAISNING LIONS
Book Blurb:
One of the best books on child-rearing I’ve ever read. Joe Newman describes a cultural shift that has reinforced anxiety and behavior disorders in children by negating parental authority. Even more important, he provides specific, non-punitive ways for parents to help their kids by taking back their authority. Filled with examples and experiences from the author’s own life as a child with A.D.H.D., the book is a treasure-trove of useful information.”
Barry Michels, psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author of The Tools.
“This book is packed with useful information. It is an insightful and practical guide for managing children. I would recommend it to any parent.”
L. Alan Sroufe, Professor Emeritus Ph.D. University of Minnesota
Current childrearing techniques seek to develop children who are confident, self-assured and unafraid to speak their minds-lions instead of lambs. Although largely positive, this shift has brought with it some very serious problems in our children's behavior. Without going back to an authoritarian model, Joe Newman has developed new ways of helping children develop the ability to self-regulate without undermining their confidence and individuality.
Raising Lions challenges us to re-examine our interactions and relationships with children, re-think the root causes of behavior problems and find new ways to support healthy, happy development.
For over 20 years Joe Newman has worked with children, parents, teachers and administrators to help them understand and improve child behavior.
Top Reader’s Review: “Makes total sense, very well written and organized, the information and ideas are not overwhelming, the concepts are simple to grasp and apply, inspires one to rise up to the challenge of being a stronger, better parent/community member.
READ IT NOW -no joke. Don't waste any more time. Do it for your child because you're their parent, you love them, and you need to do what's right for them. Take care of them. Set them free. FYI: my child is almost 3 and is by nature a strong little lion that requires more of a lion in me. She is just an average kid with no major behavior issues but I'm being proactive.
I'm also that much more excited for her future because now when people say in a consolatory manner... "oh well, she'll go far with that character, independence, and drive," as she's walking off down the street without me... I can confidently agree knowing that I am in the process of helping her develop her ability to self-regulate and not have to fight so much anymore. Her independent attitude, lion character, and drive will always be her strengths but I'm just going to teach her to relax and make wiser choices by following the ideas in this book.”