Bringing Up Geeks: How to Protect Your Kid's Childhood in a Grow-Up-Too-Fast World

Description

In a world of superficial values, peer pressure and out-of-control consumerism, the world needs more GEEKs: Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids. Today's 'culture of cool' has changed the way kids grow up. Rather than enjoying innocent childhoods while developing strong, authentic characters, today's kids can become cynical - even jaded - as they absorb the dangerous messages and harmful influences of a dominant popular culture that encourages materialism, high-risk behaviour and a state of pseudo-adulthood. Author and mother of four, Marybeth Hicks, suggests an alternative: bringing up geeks. In this groundbreaking book, she shows parents how they can help their children gain the enthusiasm to pursue their passions, not just the latest fashions; the confidence to resist peer pressure and destructive behaviour; the love of learning that helps them excel at school and in life; and the maturity to value family as well as friends, as well as make good moral decisions. With a foundation like that, kids will grow up to be the coolest adults.

Marybeth Hicks is the weekly family columnist for The Washington Times. Her first book was The Perfect World Inside My Minivan- One Mom's Journey Through the Streets of Suburbia. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children. Visit her at www.marybethhicks.com.

?Columnist, author and mother Hicks ("The Perfect World Inside My Minivan") reminds us that raising children, difficult in itself, can become a Herculean task at odds with the world around us. Hicks explains how parents can protect their children's innocence while teaching thoughtfulness, critical thinking skills, proper behavior and spirituality to better help them navigate childhood obstacles-peer pressure, pop culture and ubiquitous media input-and pave the road for healthy, engaged adulthood. Using stories and examples from her own life, Hicks sets out ten rules for parents to follow; in a curious turn of phrase, Hicks reclaims the childhood taunt "GEEK" by defining it as a "genuine, enthusiastic, empowered kid," and turns around several other concepts-"brainiac," "late bloomer," "sheltered," "homebody"-to find their true value. The ideal outcome is a child who's socially connected but immune to the negative effects of peer pressure, advertising and media. Hicks's helpful, strident aColumnist, author and mother Hicks ("The Perfect World Inside My Minivan") reminds us that raising children, difficult in itself, can become a Herculean task at odds with the world around us. Hicks explains how parents can protect their childrenas innocence while teaching thoughtfulness, critical thinking skills, proper behavior and spirituality to better help them navigate childhood obstacles-peer pressure, pop culture and ubiquitous media input-and pave the road for healthy, engaged adulthood. Using stories and examples from her own life, Hicks sets out ten rules for parents to follow; in a curious turn of phrase, Hicks reclaims the childhood taunt "GEEK" by defining it as a "genuine, enthusiastic, empowered kid," and turns around several other concepts-"brainiac," "late bloomer," "sheltered," "homebody"-to find their true value. The ideal outcome is a child whoas socially connected but immune to the negative effects of peer pressure, advertising and media. Hicksas helpful, strident guide is conversational and at times humorous, encouraging assertive parenting and independent thinking (saying "no," disregarding other parentsa ideas), with action plans to implement, further advice drawn from experts and a copious resource list.a a"Publisheras Weekly" "Marybeth Hicks reminds us that it is more important to be our children's parents than it is to be their friends. Her book is a go-to guide when itas time to set limits on how much and what our children are exposed to in this world of celebrity, mass media and affluence." --Chris Hansen, Dateline NBC Correspondent & Author, "To Catch a Predator: Protecting your kids from online enemies already in your home" aEvery sooften a book comes along that I tell my friends they absolutely must reada] Read this book, declare your status as a geek supporter or geek parent, and create a better life for your familya] This is the time for us to take back our childrenas childhoods, and in doing so to claim our role as strong, protective parents.a --Dr. Kimberly M. Thompson, Associate Professor and Director of the Kids Risk Project, Harvard School of Public Health aTodayas popular culture is robbing from an entire generation of children their most treasured possession a the sweet innocence of youth. "Bringing up Geeks" is a breath of fresh air, and we owe Marybeth Hicks a debt of gratitude. Itas required reading for any parent struggling to raise a child in a society thatas lost its moral compass.a --L. Brent Bozell, President, Media Research Center, and founder of the Parents Television Council "In an era when children are being systematically robbed of their childhood, Marybeth Hicks offers sound advice on how to let kids be kids and still grow up to be fulfilled, responsible, well-rounded adults. "Bringing Up Geeks" makes more sense than anything Iave ever read on the subject of raising children." --Pat Sajak, father, husband and host of aWheel of Fortunea "Marybeth Hicks writes with a keen eye and a mother's loving heart in this hilarious guide to raising a child you can actually take out in public without cringing. Brava to Marybeth and her original and comedic voice." --Adriana Trigiani, "New York Times" Best-selling author ""Bringing up Geeks" is the most reassuring and valuable thing I have read concerning my most important job...being a parent. I want to raise my kids toembrace the right values, and not to simply seek out the acoola route. I want them to have the confidence and conviction to follow their hearts and recognize what is truly important to them. "Bringing up Geeks" brings real clarity to a complicated process." Jay Bilas, Husband, father, lawyer and ESPN basketball analyst "Let's cut to the chase: Every parent in America should own and read this book. Parents who don't will be at a huge disadvantage, because it brilliantly helps them understand and deal effectively and wisely with raising a child in our culture today. That's the most important and difficult job there is -- and this book is simply an ENORMOUS help. It could have just been titled THE PARENT'S HANDBOOK. Do yourself and your kids a big favor: get this book and USE it! You'll be thanking the author for many years to come." --Eric Metaxas, VeggieTales writer and author "Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery" and "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (but were afraid to ask)" "Marybeth Hicks has provided readers of "The Washington Times" with years of parenting wisdom and her new book "Bringing Up Geeks" promises to add to that extraordinary body of sage advice for every family seeking to engage the hearts, souls and minds of their children in the midst of the current culture wars." --John Solomon, Editor in Chief, "The Washington Times" "Hooray for Marybeth Hicks! In her funny, original and engaging new book, she shows us everything good about parenting against the culture. Far from being a nerd, this mom inspires us to raise GEEK kids by helping us see how they will be so much more cool than their peerswhen it comes to finding real joy, in today's world -- and tomorrow's." --Betsy Hart, Syndicated Columnist & Author, "It Takes a Parent: How the Culture of Pushover Parenting is Hurting Our Kids -- And What to do About It" aRight on to raising happy, independent GEEKS! Rules and limits donat stultify children any more than strict Iambic pentameter stultified Shakespeare. Marybeth Hicks encourages parents to stick to their guns and buck the sexy/cynical/smart alec kiddie culture that most parents actually hate, but feel powerless to fight. I just hope itas not too late for me and my own kids!a --Lenore Skenazy, Columnist, "New York Sun" aMarybeth Hicks has raised the bar for families. "Bringing Up Geeks" boldly challenges adults to act like their childrenas parents instead of their buddies. Geeks are the new cool.a --Lori Borgman, "Indianapolis Star" columnist; Author, "I Was a Better Mother Before I Had Kids" a"Bringing Up Geeks" puts a positive spin on being a geek. Hicks offers insightful rationale for raising brainy, sheltered, and principled children, along with an arsenal of helpful anecdotes and sound advice. Itas cool to be uncool, and incorporating this paradigm shift will allow kids to enjoy the innocence of their childhoods, rather than be swept into our highly sexualized mainstream culture. a --Rebecca Hagelin, Vice President, The Heritage Foundation; Author, "Home Invasion: Protecting Your Family in a Culture Thatas Gone Stark Raving Mad" aAt last, someone is telling parents itas better to raise a kid for success in life than to be cool in the 7th grade. If your family is teetering at the brink of todayas culture of cool (or even if youave been swallowed whole), pick up this book. Marybeth Hicks has emerged from the trenches to endorse common sense and courage in parenting.a --Jen Singer, Founder, Mommasaid.net; Author, "Youare a Good Mom (and Your Kids Arenat So Bad Either)" "If youare worried about your kids growing up too fast and struggle to keep your kids from the potentially harmful effects of MySpace, MTV and racy music lyrics, "Bringing Up Geeks" has the answers you've been looking for. Hicks' practical, reassuring and common sense advice is a Godsend for moms and dads, whether they're just starting a family or have already hit the teen years." --Tim Bete, Director, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop & Author, "Guide to Pirate Parenting" "Marybeth Hicks reminds us that it is more important to be our children's parents than it is to be their friends. Her book is a go-to guide when itas time to set limits on how much and what our children are exposed to in this world of celebrity, mass media and affluence." --Chris Hansen, Dateline NBC Correspondent & Author, "To Catch a Predator: Protecting your kids from online enemies already in your home" aEvery so often a book comes along that I tell my friends they absolutely must reada] Read this book, declare your status as a geek supporter or geek parent, and create a better life for your familya] This is the time for us to take back our childrenas childhoods, and in doing so to claim our role as strong, protective parents.a --Dr. Kimberly M. Thompson, Associate Professor and Director of the Kids Risk Project, Harvard School of Public Health aTodayas popular culture is robbing from an entire generation of children their most treasured possession a the sweet innocence of youth. "Bringing up Geeks" is a breath of fresh air, and we owe Marybeth Hicks a debt of gratitude. Itas required reading for any parent struggling to raise a child in a society thatas lost its moral compass.a --L. Brent Bozell, President, Media Research Center, and founder of the Parents Television Council "In an era when children are being systematically robbed of their childhood, Marybeth Hicks offers sound advice on how to let kids be kids and still grow up to be fulfilled, responsible, well-rounded adults. "Bringing Up Geeks" makes more sense than anything Iave ever read on the subject of raising children." --Pat Sajak, father, husband and host of aWheel of Fortunea "Marybeth Hicks writes with a keen eye and a mother's loving heart in this hilarious guide to raising a child you can actually take out in public without cringing. Brava to Marybeth and her original and comedic voice." --Adriana Trigiani, "New York Times" Best-selling author ""Bringing up Geeks" is the most reassuring and valuable thing I have read concerning my most important job...being a parent. I want to raise my kids to embrace the right values, and not to simply seek out the acoola route. I want them to have the confidence and conviction to follow their hearts and recognize what is truly important to them. "Bringing up Geeks" brings real clarity to a complicated process." Jay Bilas, Husband, father, lawyer and ESPN basketball analyst "Let's cut to the chase: Every parent in America should own and read this book. Parents who don't will be at a huge disadvantage, because it brilliantly helps them understand and deal effectively and wisely with raising a child in our culture today. That's the most important and difficult job there is -- and this book is simply an ENORMOUS help. It could have just been titled THE PARENT'S HANDBOOK. Do yourself and your kids a big favor: get this book and USE it! You'll be thanking the author for many years to come." --Eric Metaxas, VeggieTales writer and author "Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery" and "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (but were afraid to ask)" "Marybeth Hicks has provided readers of "The Washington Times" with years of parenting wisdom and her new book "Bringing Up Geeks" promises to add to that extraordinary body of sage advice for every family seeking toengage the hearts, souls and minds of their children in the midst of the current culture wars." --John Solomon, Editor in Chief, "The Washington Times" "Hooray for Marybeth Hicks! In her funny, original and engaging new book, she shows us everything good about parenting against the culture. Far from being a nerd, this mom inspires us to raise GEEK kids by helping us see how they will be so much more cool than their peers when it comes to finding real joy, in today's world -- and tomorrow's." --Betsy Hart, Syndicated Columnist & Author, "It Takes a Parent: How the Culture of Pushover Parenting is Hurting Our Kids -- And What to do About It" aRight on to raising happy, independent GEEKS! Rules and limits donat stultify children any more than strict Iambic pentameter stultified Shakespeare. Marybeth Hicks encourages parents to stick to their guns and buck the sexy/cynical/smart alec kiddie culture that most parents actually hate, but feel powerless to fight. I just hope itas not too late for me and my own kids!a --Lenore Skenazy, Columnist, "New York Sun" aMarybeth Hicks has raised the bar for families. "Bringing Up Geeks" boldly challenges adults to act like their childrenas parents instead of their buddies. Geeks are the new cool.a --Lori Borgman, "Indianapolis Star" columnist; Author, "I Was a Better Mother Before I Had Kids" a"Bringing Up Geeks" puts a positive spin on being a geek. Hicks offers insightful rationale for raising brainy, sheltered, and principled children, along with an arsenal of helpful anecdotes and sound advice. Itas cool to be uncool, and incorporating this paradigm shift will allow kids to enjoy the innocence of their childhoods, rather than be swept into our highly sexualized mainstream culture. a --Rebecca Hagelin, Vice President, The Heritage Foundation; Author, "Home Invasion: Protecting Your Family in a Culture Thatas Gone Stark Raving Mad" aAt last, someone is telling parents itas better to raise a kid for success in life than to be cool in the 7th grade. If your family is teetering at the brink of todayas culture of cool (or even if youave been swallowed whole), pick up this book. Marybeth Hicks has emerged from the trenches to endorse common sense and courage in parenting.a --Jen Singer, Founder, Mommasaid.net; Author, "Youare a Good Mom (and Your Kids Arenat So Bad Either)" "If youare worried about your kids growing up too fast and struggle to keep your kids from the potentially harmful effects of MySpace, MTV and racy music lyrics, "Bringing Up Geeks" has the answers you've been looking for. Hicks' practical, reassuring and common sense advice is a Godsend for moms and dads, whether they're just starting a family or have already hit the teen years." --Tim Bete, Director, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop & Author, "Guide to Pirate Parenting"