Expert Parenting Insights: A Conversation with Michael G. Thompson, PH.D

Raising Resilient and Responsible Children: A Balanced Approach

At Wakefield School, we believe that meaningful parent education is a cornerstone of helping children grow into confident, capable young people of character. As part of that commitment, we were honored to welcome Dr. Michael G. Thompson, renowned clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author, for a powerful conversation on raising resilient and responsible children in today’s rapidly evolving world.

Exploring the Realities of Modern Childhood

Today’s children are growing up in a world that looks very different from the one many parents experienced. The pace of change, heightened expectations, and the pressures of achievement can all affect emotional resilience, independence, and a child’s ability to problem-solve.

Dr. Thompson brought more than five decades of experience working with children, families, and schools to the Wakefield community, offering parents a research-backed framework for finding the right balance between support and independence.

Key Takeaways from the Session

In a thoughtful and practical presentation, Dr. Thompson explored:

• How to establish a secure foundation and structured framework that allows children to thrive

• The ways overprotection can unintentionally hinder resilience—and how parents can encourage real-world problem-solving

• The impact of different parenting styles on responsibility, independence, and moral development

• How internal motivation and character can be nurtured so that children grow into self-reliant, morally grounded individuals

• Practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, fostering accountability, and improving communication within families

The evening concluded with an engaging Q&A, where parents had the opportunity to connect directly with Dr. Thompson and gain personalized insights.

Extending the Conversation

The following day, Dr. Thompson also met with Wakefield faculty, Middle School students,

and Upper School students to continue the conversation, ensuring that his insights resonated throughout the school community.

About Dr. Michael G. Thompson

Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, author, and school consultant who has worked in over 700 schools across the U.S. and internationally. He has written or co-authored ten books, including:

• Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys (New York Times bestseller)

• Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of Children

• The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Achieve Success in School and in Life

• Homesick and Happy: How Time Away from Parents Can Help a Child Grow

• Hopes and Fears: Working with Today’s Independent School Parents (co-authored with Rob Evans)

Dr. Thompson’s work has been featured on The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, Good Morning America, NPR, and PBS. His insights continue to shape how schools and families think about raising emotionally healthy, resilient children.

MORE ON MICHAEL THOMPSON, PHD

A Foundation for Ongoing Conversations

This event marked an important step in Wakefield’s Parent Education series, designed to bring timely, meaningful conversations to our community. By connecting families with trusted experts and practical tools, we aim to strengthen the partnership between home and school — and to support children as they navigate an increasingly complex world.

For questions or more information about parent education programming at Wakefield School:
[email protected]  |  540-253-7501

               Learn More About Our Next Parent Education Event