How Much Is Too Much? [previously published as How Much Is Enough?]: Raising Likeable, Responsible, Respectful Children–from Toddlers to Teens–in an Age of Overindulgence

Were you overindulged as a child? Do you overindulge your own kids? Most overindulgence occurs directly as a result of good intentions, but not everyone realizes how damaging it can be for children. In How Much is Too Much?, authors Jean Illsley Clarke, Connie Dawson, and David Bredehoft lay out the facts regarding overindulgence: what it looks like (it’s more than just too many toys) and how to identify it in your own life, methods of establishing the structure children need, giving your kids a sense of responsibility and independence, and even how to handle it when other people are the source of overindulgence.

There are three main types of overindulgence: too much (money, things that cost money, time), overnurturing (think of today’s helicopter parents), and soft structure (too much freedom, not enough rules). These three types can take many forms, and the majority of the book is dedicated to recognizing them, as well as creating change. All of the information in How Much is Too Much? is based on extensive research that the authors have had a part in over the years. This book is so incredibly relevant in today’s culture; every parent would benefit from reading it. Recommended for everyone who has anything to do with children!