"Jennifer Miller has written the book that parents of teens need in this very moment of humanity. Humanaissance names what so many of us feel, but struggle to put into words. Our teens are growing up in a world reshaped by AI, and we may feel at a loss with how to deal with the fast-changing world. Jennifer’s book helps us remember that our teens' real advantage is everything that makes each of them human. What I loved is that each chapter is grounded in adolescent brain science. It then turns that research into habits that any family can practice. The eight courage habits show us the clear language we need for the hard conversations. What moved me most is her honesty about raising teens while caring for aging parents, something many of us are facing now. This book leans in with warmth, evidence, and lots of hope. A must-read for every parent from a long-time expert in the field!"
—Dr. Helen Maffini, international educator, author and founder of MindBE Education
Description
Imagine the power of shifting the next generation’s focus from technology to humanity.
The loneliness, anxiety, and depression teens and parents feel urgently point to the need for change. We require a “humanaissance,” a rebirth of heart, human spirit and connection, learning, and wisdom. Just as the Renaissance brought fresh, innovative ideas about cultural and human potential—bringing enlightenment to dark times—our families need to meet today's uncertainty and divisiveness with a pathway toward wholeness and contribution. This pivot is only made possible with courage.
When nearly three out of four parents worry that their teen will struggle with mental health challenges, we need everyday tools and strategies to move from darkness into the light. In Humanaissance: Igniting Courage in Our Teens and Ourselves, Jennifer S. Miller, MEd uses the science of adolescent and adult development, the heart of storytelling, and the practices of mindfulness to infuse this often intense, painful, and anxiety-ridden time of life with agency, purpose, and well-being.
You and your teen will learn to
- Identify which of the six kinds of courage you already use and which ones you need to acquire.?
- Assess your family's unique sources of strength and grow them as assets.
- Harness threat emotions like anger, anxiety, and fear as courage.
- Alter patterns from your upbringing that you want to change in your parenting.
- Translate your deepest family values into everyday actions and bigger life choices.
- Recalibrate your family’s relationship with technology for efficiency, learning, well-being, connection, and innovation.
- Assert boundaries with kindness and confidence to sustain healthy relationships.
- Cultivate your teen’s sense of purpose and meaning in life.
We cannot wait for a time of greater stability to set our teens on a trajectory to success. Now is the moment to discover our own inner heart-led courage and cultivate it in our teens to not only thrive but lead the way to a better world.
Reviews
“In this world built on algorithms, it takes courage to put down the phone and look up, especially as a teen. Taking a break from technology helps us make actual human connection. This is not an easy thing to do, for the teen or the parent, but is desperately needed to give humanity a boost. This book helps teens to understand that taking a tech break is essential for mental health and helps parents understand that modeling the behavior you want from your teen is a must. Jennifer Miller was a mentor to me on my mindfulness journey and is an author that can help you learn to connect with courage.”
—Adam Avin, sports anchor, WMAZ-TV and author of Mindfulness for Teenagers
“As a parent whose son will soon be entering the teenage years, I feel profoundly grateful to have discovered this book now. Jennifer Miller has become a wise guide on my parenting journey, the kind of elder sister every parent hopes to have walk alongside them. Reading these pages, I felt deeply seen. Her reflections on parenting teens while navigating midlife are honest, relatable, and deeply human. I finished this book wanting to buy a copy for every parent I know—those actively parenting teens and folks like me with younger children who secretly fear the teen years. It is wise, beautifully written, deeply practical, and the companion I will carry with me into my son's teenage years. This is a remarkable gift to parents, to our children, and ultimately to the world. I now believe with my whole heart Courageous Parenting is how we truly transform the world!”
—Meena Srinivasan, parent, Buddhist teacher, author of SEL Every Day and Teach, Breathe, Learn, founding executive director of Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL), co-founder and board emeritus, Thich Nhat Hanh School of Interbeing
“Rarely does a parenting book offer both an inspiring vision and such practical guidance. This thoughtful and timely work invites parents to unlock the untapped gifts in their children—and in themselves—while cultivating the courage, wisdom, and resilience needed to flourish in today's world. Blending profound insights, practical strategies, and meaningful reflection questions, Miller offers a deeply hopeful roadmap for helping young people thrive, strengthening families, and creating lives of greater joy, purpose, and possibility. This is a book you'll return to again and again.”
—Ari Gerzon-Kessler, author of On the Same Team: Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together, gold medal winner for Best Education Book of 2024
