Permission to Parent (ePub)

Parental anxiety is at an all-time high, and with parenting styles swinging from attachment parenting to that of "Tiger Moms," Robin Berman, MD, inspires mothers and fathers to find a graceful place in the middle.

Children used to be seen and not heard, but now they are at the center of their parents' universe. Parents today seem skittish about asserting their authority. They indulge in their children's demands and tantrums, and enter into endless negotiations, all for fear of hurting their children's feelings. Sadly, this indulgence is creating a generation of psychologically fragile individuals, and it undermines the very self-esteem it seeks to build. In between these parenting extremes lies a better way to raise thriving, well-adjusted children.

Parents need to know that it is not only OK but essential to be in charge. Children with too much power often become anxious, and not allowing children to work through negative emotions leads to a lack of resilience later in their lives.

Permission to Parent teaches parents to be comfortable setting boundaries while maintaining a loving connection, fostering self-esteem, respect, and emotional maturity. Children need limits more than they need indulgences, time more than schedules, and love more than stuff.

Robin Berman, MD, provides the tools for great parenting by drawing from her extensive clinical experience and wisdom collected from seasoned therapists, revered teachers, and role-model parents. Permission to Parent strikes the perfect balance of advice, anecdote, and research to be an essential parenting guide.