Puddle Jumpers: Simple and Proven Ways to Raise Confident & Joyful Kids

“This isn’t theory,” says father of three and former Navy SEAL Webb (Mastering Fear) of this no-nonsense parenting guide. “It’s blood, sweat, and the kind of trial by fire that only raising kids can deliver.” Connecting his military expertise to parenting, Webb explains the importance of building mental toughness—the ability to choose calmness in times of chaos—and passing it along to children through behavior modeling and encouragement. The goal is to raise puddle jumpers, or independent doers “who leap into life’s messy, muddy moments with full-hearted abandon.” Webb stresses the importance of assigning age-appropriate responsibilities, like making dinner or babysitting siblings; letting kids work to achieve their goals; and surrounding children with positive role models. Allowing kids to experience the consequences of their actions without bailing them out leaves lasting lessons, he contends, while compassionate discipline and clear expectations build trust and respect. As Webb points out, most kids eventually fly the nest; the job of parenting, then, is to equip them with tools to navigate their futures confidently as the parent role changes “from household commander to coach.” Filled with hard-won insights, this is a boon for parents. (May)