THE HIDDEN WISDOM OF PARENTS
In his highly acclaimed Stories For Parents workshops, psychologist Sam Osherson collects vital memories-- revealing, candid stories, told by the parents he works with, that capture their responses to the essential concerns of parenting: how to resolve power struggles, work at improving communication, and teach their children about issues ranging from sexuality to spirituality.
Their stories recall moments when they really succeeded as a parent-- when they made a strong connection with a child, figured out how to resolve a thorny family issue, or finally achieved the perspective they needed to improve their parenting skills.
These memorable stories of real- life parenting strategies and successes-- covering every age, every family background, and a broad range of parenting issues- contain the ideas, inspiration, and support you need to face your own parenting dilemmas. The Hidden Wisdom of Parents will help you identify the remarkable, but often overlooked and under-appreciated "successes" in your own parenting-- experiences that you can use to identify what works with your family, deepen your relationships with your children, develop new insights into family problems, and remind yourself of just how much you already know about parenting!
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Table of Contents
Introduction: Listening to Parents
Part I: The Critical Elements of Parenting
- Ch 1: The Healing Power of a Parent's Touch
- Ch 2: Connecting With Your Child
- Ch 3: Resolving Power Battles and Control Struggles
Part II: The Development of Family Themes
- Ch 4: Family Secrets
- Ch 5: Families Under Pressure
- Ch 6: Coping With Teenagers
- Ch 7: Fathers with Daughters
- Ch 8: Mothers with Sons
- Ch 9: Parents and Grown Children
Part III: How We Grow as Parents
? Ch 10: When Do I Really Become a Parent?
? Ch 11: The Spiritual Journeys of Parents
? Ch 12: Growing Up With Our Children
Part IV: Enjoying The Rewards of Parenting
? Ch 13: Our Everyday Gifts
? Ch 14: Hard Times Have a Silver Lining
Appendix: Create Your Own Parenting Stories
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Reader's praise for The Hidden Wisdom of Parents:
"The parents stories in Sam's book are filled with the everyday wonders and worries of parenting. They are poignantly told in a manner that one instantly identifies with. They brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my lips"
-- Sharon Gordetsky, PhD
President, Massachusetts Psychological Association
"Most parenting books are rife with platitudes and generic advice, far removed from everyday life. In The Hidden Wisdom of Parents, Sam Osherson offers real stories told by real people who have experienced the sadness and despair as well as the triumphs and joys that inevitably occur when raising kids. These stories challenged me, leaving me deeply moved and affirmed. The writing is intelligent and lovingly crafted, and filled with gentle wisdom and spirituality"
-- James May
Director, National Fathers Network
Praise from Seminar participants:
"This beautiful book shows the depth and heights of parenting and being parented. Although sometimes heartbreaking and tragic, the true stories are also poignant, uplifting and liberating. They instill courage and hope."
-- Suzanne R. Cook Greuter, Boston, MA.
"There is nothing like a good story to make a point, and this book is filled with them-- funny ones, sad ones, savvy ones-- from worried, wise, passionate, distracted, and loving moms and dads. Sam Osherson has done it again! This is a book to savor-- a wonderful gift for parents of all generations."
--Laurent A. Parks Daloz, Seattle, WA.
"So many of the parents I know worry about being inadequate. It seldom occurs to us to grant ourselves a successful history as parents. But for those of us who searched our memories to tell the stories in this book, the process has bestowed a surprising grace: self- forgiveness and healthy pride. And in reading the stories of others I found a deeper faith in the community of parents."
-- Martha Craig, Illinois