In Raising Children Who Think for Themselves, physician Elisa Medhus argues that people are taught from childhood to govern themselves through external influences, such as peer groups and mass media, rather than through the inner voice of reason. Being externally directed creates problems for the child, the family, and society at large by encouraging selfishness, self-deceit, and even self-destructive behavior. The author focuses on seven strategies to reverse this trend, including creating a family environment conducive to self-inspiration; teaching children to cultivate effective internal dialogue and positive thinking; encouraging empathy; and showing children how to handle specific external influences. Written in a casual style with real-life quotes and humorous anecdotes, Raising Children Who Think for Themselves combines the practical with the spiritual to help make growing up less painful.