Raising Kids with Character shows parents, clinicians, and policy-makers how the love relationship between parents and children is the workshop of the child's maturing personality, connecting everyday moments in family life to the growth of the child's sense of values and meaning. The book explains how children develop into fine, morally strong adults through their identification with loving parents, and combines practical wisdom about ordinary family experiences with an in-depth discussion of emotional development from birth through adulthood. Elizabeth Berger, MD, is a child psychiatrist and nationally acclaimed parenting expert. Her book looks beyond the parent's response to "negative behavior" to understand the meaning of the child's behavior within the growth process, while helping parents gain mastery of their own emotional reactions as a key to assisting this process. Rich vignettes of ordinary families, along with professional case studies of trouble youngsters in therapy, make this intelligent and well-written book the essential tool for parents and others looking not just to "manage" children but to understand and to nurture their spirits.
Industry Reviews
There is hardly a single paragraph in the entire book that isn't worth quoting. * Suburban Express *
Extremely valuable....this book is full of words of wisdom about parenting and is highly recommended to professionals, parents, educators, and all those interested in the welfare of children. * Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry *
Raising Kids with Character offers a wise, sensible perspective and pragmatic guidance for parents trying to raise ethical, compassionate children. Dr. Berger focuses on intimacy, relationships, and intelligent, self-confident parental authority. She gives the reader numerous clinical jewels and sensitive wisdom to learn from in this thoughtful, informative book. -- Alvin Rosenfeld M.D., co-author of Hyper-Parenting
In a sea of books on child rearing that focus on blame or nurture, it is a joy to welcome Raising Kids with Character. Dr. Berger writes in an easygoing style that encourages readers to participate, without the jargon of the profession. Designed for everyone from therapists to parents, Dr. Berger's text provided me with new insights even after thirty years of my own practice. -- Theodore Shapiro, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University; Director of Child Psychiatry, Payne Whitney Clinic
This book spells out insightfully the 'whys and hows' that lead to healthy child development, self-discovery, good citizenship, and true consideration for others. -- Ruth F. Lax Ph.D., author of Becoming and Being a Woman
A timeless message of understanding, Raising Kids with Character explores the very nature of the intimate relationship between parent and child. This book is destined to become a classic! -- Vanita Braver M.D., author of Teach Your Children Well
