Eileen Kennedy-Moore (Author)
Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, is a clinical psychologist based in
Princeton, NJ, and a mom of four. A trusted expert on children's
feelings and friendships, Kennedy-Moore is a professor for The
Great Courses, serves on the advisory board for Parents magazine,
and blogs for Psychology Today, PBS Parents, and US News & World
Report. This is her sixth book. Learn more at
www.eileenkennedymoore.com or www.drfriendtastic.com.
"In her warm, accessible style, Eileen Kennedy-Moore has turned
conventional thinking about self-esteem on its head. Speaking
directly to parents, and to anyone who works with or cares about
children, Kid Confidence makes a compelling argument for turning
away from frantic attempts to pump up our children's self-esteem.
Instead, Kennedy-Moore lays out a plan to address the need for
connection, competence, and choice--three critical factors at the
heart of a ‛quiet ego.' It is possible to dive into any one chapter
and emerge armed with practical suggestions. Better yet, read the
whole book. This one is a game-changer."
--Dawn Huebner, PhD, psychologist, parent coach, and author of
Outsmarting Worry--Dawn Huebner, PhD
"The best parenting resource I have seen in several years. Too many
children and teens suffer from a negative inward focus on
themselves that is self-critical and self-judgmental. Outwardly,
they may seem anxious or depressed, worried or discouraged. Child
and family psychologist Eileen Kennedy-Moore shows parents the road
to helping children develop real self-esteem and ‛a quiet ego'
through connection, competence, and choice. The book is firmly
evidence-based, developmentally based, practically based, and it is
fundamentally wise and compassionate."
--Carol D. Goodheart, EdD, former president of the American
Psychological Association--Carol D. Goodheart, EdD
"Kid Confidence is a must-read parenting book! Eileen offers keen
insight into how to ease a child's harsh self-focus, which is the
foundation for raising an emotionally healthy child."
--Maureen Healy, author of The Emotionally Healthy Child--Maureen
Healy
"Kid Confidence is packed with surprising and realistic advice
about how we can help kids stop worrying about if they are good
enough. In her uniquely wonderful way, Kennedy-Moore also gives us
the confidence to handle any parenting challenge."
--Diane Debrovner, deputy editor at Parents magazine--Diane
Debrovner
"An exciting alternative to most books about self-esteem. Eileen
Kennedy-Moore helps parents boost their child's skills in the
critical areas of making friends, making choices, and mastering the
ups and downs of the learning process.;Every parent, grandparent,
and school counselor can benefit from the specific tips and
guidance in this book. Wise, compassionate, and grounded in the
latest research, Kid Confidence delivers on its promise to help
children develop authentic confidence."
--Meg Selig, NCC, a retired counselor, and author of
Changepower!--Meg Selig, NCC
"In this book, clinical psychologist Kennedy-Moore (What's My Child
Thinking?, 2019, etc.) promises readers a wide range of practical
and effective parenting strategies. But first, the author takes
pains to debunk some key concepts of contemporary child-rearing
philosophy--the worst of which, she says, is the idea that one must
compulsively and universally offer kids uninterrupted affirmation
in order to build up their self-esteem.... Kennedy-Moore addresses
the topics of making parental connections, assessing and building
children's competencies, and helping kids to become more decisive
and deal with bullying. Throughout, she employs a clear, concise
prose style and an unfailing directness, typified in lines such as
'As parents, we can't protect our children from having bad things
happen to them.'.... A wise and realistic program for instilling
genuine self-esteem in children."
--Kirkus Reviews--Kirkus Reviews
"In this enlightening and refreshing book, Eileen Kennedy-Moore
puts forth the premise that we can't just 'teach' our kids to have
self-confidence, but rather that we grow it with them through our
relationships. Parents and teachers alike will benefit from the
book's powerful message that our connection with our kids is the
foundation of self-esteem."
--Mona Delahooke, PhD, clinical psychologist, and author of Social
and Emotional Development in Early Intervention--Mona Delahooke,
PhD
"Not just another parenting book! Eileen Kennedy-Moore relies on
solid research to reveal why much of what we've been taught about
raising self-confident children is actually counterproductive. Kid
Confidence offers a wealth of wisdom and practical strategies aimed
at helping parents succeed at instilling their children with
authentic self-esteem through reducing self-focus and harsh
self-judgment."
--Mary K. Alvord, PhD, psychologist, and coauthor of Conquer
Negative Thinking for Teens and Resilience Builder Program for
Children and Adolescents--Mary K. Alvord, PhD
"Traditional approaches to building self-esteem and confidence
often encourage a rather egoic approach that can inadvertently make
children more self-focused, insecure, and unhappy. Drawing on the
latest theory and research in psychology, Eileen Kennedy-Moore
offers insights and advice by which parents can foster their
children's well-being by promoting their social connections,
competence, and feelings of choice and control. Not only are these
the pillars of happiness and lifelong well-being, but when parents
focus on these important considerations, self-esteem and
self-confidence take care of themselves."
--Mark R. Leary, PhD, Garonzik Family Professor of Psychology and
Neuroscience at Duke University, and author of The Curse of the
Self--Mark R. Leary, PhD
"What child couldn't use some help through the rocky road of
childhood? Be it making friends, making good decisions, or having a
can-do attitude, Eileen Kennedy-Moore skillfully guides parents in
how to help children develop authentic self-esteem, and build their
resilience to meet the inevitable rough patches and pressures of
growing up today. Kid Confidence provides vital understanding and
strategies to cultivate confident kids that parents can confidently
send out into the world...with pride."
--Susan Newman, PhD, social psychologist, and author of Little
Things Long Remembered and The Book of NO--Susan Newman, PhD
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