This selection from Carl Honore’s Under Pressure explores the history of childhood, including social trends and cultural movements that have contributed to the current practice of hyperparenting.

In How Adults Are Ruining Childhood bestselling author Carl Honore explores the contradictions inherent in modern parenting. We want children to strive for high-achieving adulthood while also enjoying a childhood full of joy and free of danger. We tell our children to “grow up” and then bristle when they do. We expect them to ful?ll our dreams and yet remain true to themselves. The common thread, of course, is that through the ages children have never chosen their own childhood. Adults have always called the tune. Today it seems to be more about the adults than ever.