Humanaissance

“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
“Humanaissance is a wise and deeply human guide to raising teenagers with courage, connection, and emotional intelligence. Jennifer Miller reminds us that our job is not to eliminate young people’s difficult experiences, but to help them understand them, act on them wisely, and become more fully themselves.”
—Marc Brackett, PhD, founding director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and best-selling author of Permission to Feel and Dealing with Feeling
“Humanaissance has a lot of heart. It’s an engaging, encouraging blend of practical advice, research, and storytelling. Miller’s openness about her own parenting experiences adds warmth and authenticity. The guidance feels both credible and deeply relatable. It’s the kind of book that invites reflection while offering ideas you can immediately put into practice.
—Richard Weissbourd, senior lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education and director of Making Care Common
“Many parenting books either hand you a script or forget that you’re changing too, not only your teen. Jennifer Miller does neither. She takes your life transitions as seriously as your child’s and turns courage into habits you can build in yourself and your teen at the same time. If you have ever felt scared or worried parenting a teenager, this book is for you.”
—Lorea Martínez, PhD, award-winning founder and author of Living with the HEART in Mind and Teaching with the HEART in Mind
“Wise and grounded counsel for anyone raising teens. Uniquely, this book addresses the development of both child and parent, integrating the inner and outer dimensions of that growth throughout. The practical guidance offered rests on a rich well of research and inspiration: classic theories in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and philosophy, as well as poetry and literature form the foundation for the principles and (eminently actionable) practices shared. I’m especially moved by the emphasis on ‘heart courage’, the practice of listening to that quieter voice within, as well as Miller’s dedication to helping teens discover—and parents re-discover—who they are and the unique contribution they have to offer the world. The introduction of collective thinking and action is a distinct and vital innovation in the world of parenting literature.”
—Eva Pomeroy, senior faculty, Presencing Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology




“Jennifer is a wise soul. In Humanaissance, she combines stories, art, research, empathy, self-awareness, and decades of experience to help parents like us navigate the hardest parts of raising young humans. When you feel like you’ve lost your way, read this book.”
—Cecilia and Jason Hilkey, founders of Happily Family, authors of the #1 International Bestseller, Raising Teens Who Talk to You
“Every chapter in this book communicates life-enhancing insights for parents with regard to their children and themselves. Overall, you will learn to embrace the courage needed by yourselves and your teens to face and master the challenges of life today with resilient determination and compassion.”
—Maurice J. Elias, PhD, professor of psychology, Rutgers University, co-author of The Joys and Oys of Parenting and Emotionally Intelligent Parenting
“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
“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
“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

Jennifer S. Miller, MEd, has spent over thirty years collaborating with educators and families to foster effective support for children and teens by focusing on their development.

She is the author and illustrator of Confident Parents, Confident Kids: Raising Emotional Intelligence in Ourselves and in Our Kids from Toddlers to Teenagers, which was recognized as a Top Parenting Book of 2020 by the Greater Good Science Center. Miller founded the organization of the same name, establishing an international platform through her blog which garnered over 24,000 followers across 152 countries.

Her expertise has been featured by NBC’s TODAY Parenting, PBS WNET, and Fred Rogers Productions. She has also contributed articles and insights to various publications, including The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, and Parent Magazine. Miller has conducted and published peer-reviewed research, notably a study titled “Parenting for Competence and Parenting with Competence.”

She consults with schools and develops parenting resources in partnership with organizations such as the National Parent Teacher Association, National University, Montana State University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. The research in her book received support from the M.I.T. Presencing Institute. Miller is a frequent speaker at conferences, offers coaching to parents, and leads workshops both in Ohio and nationally.

She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership with a specialization in child and adolescent development. Jennifer resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and eighteen-year-old son.

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