Have We Lost Our Children Or Have They Lost Us?

Book excerpt: WHAT'S HAPPENING TO PARENT'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR KIDS? To find out, the author interviewed hundreds of parents for their opinions. Many felt that they were losing their children; some thought they'd already lost them; some say they didn't care. But in interviews, it became obvious that they care, very much, and that frustration about their children's futures in this topsy-turvy world has made them feel powerless. The author wrote this book to find out if the bond is truly rupturing and, if so, what parents can do about it. While uncovering data for the book, she came to know great educators, teachers, psychologists, as well as wise parents. She contacted Sixty Minutes, Nova, numerous Internet sources, and learned texts. The opinions of many of these experts as well as parents' comments are included in this book. The author found that most psychologists are competent, caring people, ready to help needy clients. But many appeared badly trained or still echo the theories of Freud and Erickson and others who criticized parents for their children's problems. Many mothers and fathers feel these criticisms have been unwarranted and unfair. This book will show that parents are far wiser and more competent than they think.