Parents as Humans
Being Parents Who Feel Good
Sifriat Poalim Publishing, 1997
By: Haim Amit, educational psychologist, certified family therapist, organizational consultant
How to find time and space for ourselves in parenting?
Why are we so insecure about our parenting?
What do we lose and what do we gain in parenting?
This is a book about parents, not children!
The book describes with sympathy and sensitivity the processes that parents go through when raising children – the frustrations and joys, the anxieties and beliefs, the hesitations and agreements, the feelings of guilt and satisfaction, and more.
The predicament of parenting in the modern era requires, more than ever, the development of learning and growth processes for parents. In order for parents to be able to trust their children and encourage them to develop independently, they should know how to trust themselves. In order for parents to be able to safely set appropriate boundaries for their children, they must trust themselves and their position in the family. And most importantly – in order for people to succeed in being “good” parents, it is important that they themselves be parents who feel good about themselves, that they are doing well!
The book is based on the author's rich experience working with parents and their families in various settings, and on his own experiences in his own family.
In a personal, honest and fascinating style, the book is addressed to a wide audience: parents and parents on the way, young parents and "veteran" parents, professionals in the fields of education, parenting and family, psychology, social work and more.
Table of Contents
Introduction
- Chapter 1: The Timing Paradox
Maybe we could start with the third child? - Chapter 2: Parenting Distress Today
Why, despite our knowledge, are we so insecure in our parenting? - Chapter 3: The Parent, Too, Is At the Center
Giving ourselves a central place in the family - Chapter 4: The Loyalty Conflict
Who do I respond to? My child’s needs, or my own? - Chapter 5: The Damages of Love
- Chapter 6: Self-Awareness in Parenting
We can listen to our children only after we listen to ourselves - Chapter 7: The Influence Paradox
Losses and gains in parenting - Chapter 8: Parents Grow Too
- Chapter 9: The Separation Paradox
Coming closer to our kids, and at the same time separating from them - Chapter 10: Parents as Human Beings: Why It’s Important
- Bibliography