Greater Expectations: Nuturing Children's Natural Moral Growth

William Damon is a very experienced developmental psychologist who has written one of the classic books on social and personality development. In this book he addresses in conversational language how American kids came to be the least empathic, least knowledgeable, and most indulged and self-indulged children in the world. Obviously, this outcome is not entirely the fault of the kids themselves: the faults are multiple. Nevertheless, this cultural battle has, at its stake, "the lives...and hopes of our young" (p. xii).Damon documents the singular effects of under-privilege and over-privilege on youngsters, such that youngsters now lack wholesome ambition and are fundamentally demoralized. He tries very hard to not sound like a Cassandra, but the statistics and examples are those that we read in our ordinary daily papers, so it seems reasonable to agree with him that youngsters in this country are in significant trouble.Dr. Damon then offers a middle-of-the-road perspective on correcting these problems. He clearly dislikes the fact that politicians take "sound bite" positions on this cultural war and use mistakes and myths to polarize the public.He speaks clearly about "respectful engagement" with youngsters, expecting something back from them, not treating children as little ceramic vessels that will break at the first challenge in life, the benefits of discipline in terms of self-social-and-moral growth, and how schools, teachers, parents, community workers, and the youngsters themselves can recover the true spirit of youth--"a transcendant sense of purpose linked to community and spirituality [morality]."I always like Damon's books. He is reasonable and clear. He has a great passion for youngsters. He believes that it is not too much to expect that all youngsters should be able to be honest, decent, respectful, fair, and responsible. I hope you enjoy this book.

Damon adroitly delineates the deleterious factors inherent in focusing on teaching self esteem as a precondition for positive youth development. He cogently explores the apparent nexus between the principle that self esteem should be taught first, and childhood feelings of self doubt, disrespect for adult authority and self centeredness. "Greater Expectations" is the most salient addition to the discussion on childrearing since David Blankenhorn's "Fatherless America."

Damon brings to light many controversial issues on the subject of child rearing and the deterioration of morals and values in today's young people. This book is a MUST for all parents, parents to be, or anyone else that cares about the future of society as a whole. Sadly, mediocracy has become acceptable, and is considered normal. As a result, our children are in trouble! Worse, what does the future hold for them? I cannot commend William Damon enough for his thorough and honest approach to this frightening challenge we face.