Educating Today's Overindulged Youth: Combat Narcissism by Building Foundations, Not Pedestals

(Paperback)

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This book examines narcissistic, self-absorbed attitudes and behaviors of individuals and the effects of these attitudes and behaviors on the American school system. As the effects are widespread and detrimental, the book also discusses multiple strategies to combat narcissism in schools. Extensive reading, critical observation, and nearly 35 years of combined educational experience led to the formation and completion of this project. Research was collected from over 40 sources including books, periodicals, newspaper articles, interviews, and workshops. Specifically, the book defines narcissistic qualities, identifies long-term societal effects of narcissistic living, discusses narcissism in relation to child development, and extensively examines narcissism in the school setting (the people and practices). The book challenges teachers, counselors, and administrators to reflect on their role in educating the narcissistic population and to adopt strategies to reverse the growing trend. In turn, educators are encouraged to foster a learning experience that promotes greater responsibility, durability, and independence on the part of the learner and that emphasizes the concept of living, learning, and working for the 'greater good' in our society.

Reviews

Chad Mason and Karen Brackman have put a face and a name to a growing problem facing school systems and todays educators: all too many American children have come to expect adults to cater to their individual desires. One contributing factor for thisnarcissistic mindset is the breakdown of traditional family values. Overindulging, micromanaging parents not only prohibit their sons and daughters from reaching their full potential, they place an undue stress on those professionals entrusted with facilitating their childrens educations. The protectionist mindset, with the child serving as the center of the family unit, has fostered thousands of me-first, self-centered children with many negative consequences for society and the American family. Thisbook will serve as a helpful resource for those currently in the educational ranks, as well as those engaged in teacher/administrator training. Its case studies illuminate the difficulties inherent to working with narcissistic children, but more importantly, this book stresses the importance of taking on the challenge. -- John K. Rosemond, family psychologist; nationally syndicated columnist; author of The Diseasing of America's Children
Addressing Narcissism in Schools is useful because it forces the reader to think; to think about why students behave the way they do, but, more importantly, to think about what can be done to address the problems educators face as a result of an increasingly self-indulgent society. Mason and Brackman don't just tell the reader how today's students act, but they provide real-world solutions to the problems their actions create, making this book a useful tool to teachers everywhere. -- Tom Dunn, Superintendent, Troy City Schools
Mason and Brackman have hit a critical nerve in the educational landscape. At a time when our educational system is being challenged by ever changing social and emotional norms, they bring to the forefront issues that are paramount to the future of education and family virtues in America. The significance of these issues cannot be ignored and expedience to finding solutions is imperative if we expect our students to compete in the globally expanding world. -- Mark A. Klopfenstein, retired principal, Springfield, Ohio
This text is on time and needed for our teachers and educational systems to begin developing new educational and behavioral interventions.This text clearly identifies the change in personality structure that has lead to our schools increase in violence and disruptive behaviors. I am hopeful that teachers and community organizers will read this text and get motivated to plan and implement changes that are indicated. I applaud Mason and Brackman for this work. -- Curtis Gillespie, Therapist

Chad Mason and Karen Brackman have put a face and a name to a growing problem facing school systems and todays educators: all too many American children have come to expect adults to cater to their individual desires.
One contributing factor for this narcissistic mindset is the breakdown of traditional family values. Overindulging, micromanaging parents not only prohibit their sons and daughters from reaching their full potential, they place an undue stress on those professionals entrusted with facilitating their childrens educations. The protectionist mindset, with the child serving as the center of the family unit, has fostered thousands of me-first, self-centered children with many negative consequences for society and the American family.
This book will serve as a helpful resource for those currently in the educational ranks, as well as those engaged in teacher/administrator training. Its case studies illuminate the difficulties inherent to working with narcissistic children, but more importantly, this book stresses the importance of taking on the challenge.

-- John K. Rosemond, family psychologist; nationally syndicated columnist; author of The Diseasing of Americas Children
Longtime educators, Mason and Brackman define and explore strategies for reducing narcissism in schools. They consistently point out the importance of families being partners in the effort to combat overindulgence. Though important, the suggested strategies often seem to be common sense. A welcome addition to Educating Today's Overindulged Youth is the final chapter of case studies. These scenarios can be nice conversation starters for staff, students and parents. * School Administrator *

Author Bio

Chad Mason has been in education approximately fifteen years, with nine of those in the administrative ranks. During that time, he has served as a high school business teacher, a varsity girls' basketball coach, academic team advisor, high school assistant principal, junior high assistant principal, and high school principal.

Karen Brackman has worked in secondary education for more than twenty years in various positions including teaching English and reading, school counseling, coaching, advising several different student organizations, and serving on multiple faculty committees.