Compassionate Child-Rearing: An In-Depth Approach to Optimal Parenting

by Robert W. Firestone, R. D. Laing (Foreword by)

Overview

In this work, Dr. Firestone develops the theory and underlying dynamics involved in disturbed family relationships and the "poisonous pedagogy" that characterizes generally accepted patterns of child-rearing. The author expands on the descriptions of the traditional abuses of children previously offered by Alice Miller, R.D. Laing, James Garbarino, and others. He describes a process through which parents can uncover and work through ambivalent feelings toward their children, to gain a more compassionate view of themselves and of their children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780967668420
Publisher:	Glendon Association
Publication date:	12/28/1990
Pages:	392
Product dimensions:	6.05(w) x 9.05(h) x 0.95(d)

Table of Contents

Part I	General Theory
Chapter 1	Overview	3
Chapter 2	The Fantasy Bond in Couple and Family Relationships	19
Chapter 3	The Core Conflict in Parents: Hunger versus Love	41
Chapter 4	Parental Defenses and How They Are Transmitted	61
Chapter 5	The Concept of the "Voice" and the Cycle of Child Abuse	81
Chapter 6	Typical Abuses in Childhood and Their Effects on the Adult Personality	101
Chapter 7	Idealization of Parents at the Child's Expense	123
Chapter 8	The Mother-Daughter Bond	143
Part II	Child-Rearing Techniques
Chapter 9	General Philosophy of Child-Rearing	169
Chapter 10	Discipline and Socialization	185
Chapter 11	A New Model for Family Interactions	203
Chapter 12	Fostering Positive Parental Attitudes toward Sex	221
Chapter 13	Establishing a Pragmatic Approach to the Sexual Development of Children	239
Part III	Therapeutic Interventions
Chapter 14	Historical Development of Our Approach to Child-Rearing	257
Chapter 15	Therapeutic Approach to Parenting Groups: Preventive Psychotherapy	275
Chapter 16	The Value of Selective Separation as a Psychotherapeutic Intervention	293
Chapter 17	A Summary Plea: Preserving the Humanness of the Child	317
Appendix A	Documentary Videotapes on Interpersonal Relationships and Psychotherapy	331
Appendix B	Continuum of Negative Thought Patterns	333
	References	337
	Index	351

Editorial Reviews

For parents who find benefits in reading extended pop psych coverage of emotion-laden issues. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews