Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them

by Laura Schlessinger

Parenthood by Proxy  is a passionate and provocative summation of the perils of parenting and a road map to safety for America's families. Never one to shy away from tough truths, Dr. Laura marshals compelling evidence for the widespread neglect of America's children and condemns the numerous rationalizations to excuse it. Parents, special interest groups, and professionals in education and psychology all contribute to a dangerous trend that places adult fulfillment above obligation to children.  Parenthood by Proxy  addresses the causes and effects of this national crisis, among them the high rate of divorce, serial marriages, single parenting, the premature sexualization of children, dual-career families, disdain for religion, the redefinition of immoral behavior as lifestyle choices, and societal intolerance for the concept of judgment. In  Parenthood by Proxy , Dr. Laura exhorts parents to make their own children their top priority and, if necessary, to change their lives to do so. In her straight-shooting style, Dr. Laura entreats parents to involve themselves in their children's hearts, minds, and souls, to cherish and protect them, and to commit to the essential task of teaching them right from wrong. She acknowledges that parents no longer get much support from neighbors or public and private institutions, but she urges mothers and fathers to work even harder to counteract the prevailing culture of selfishness and irresponsibility. Parenthood by Proxy  covers all aspects of parenting, from childbearing to discipline, from multiple families to being role models.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Self Help, Relationships

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2002

About the author

Laura Catherine Schlessinger (born January 16, 1947) is an American talk radio host, socially conservative commentator and author. Her radio program consists mainly of her responses to callers' requests for personal advice and has occasionally featured her short monologues on social and political topics. Her website says that her show "preaches, teaches, and nags about morals, values and ethics".

Reviews

[Kayla]

I read a few Dr Laura books when I got married, and I read "In Praise of SaHMs" when I was pregnant. I remember liking them, so I picked up this book.

I agree with what was said in the book (except the spanking part). She is right. She is very right. I believe the principles Dr Laura is trying to teach are truly what will save our society and our future. I believe that doing these stupid things that mess up our kids, also mess up a whole generation, our nation, and our future. I believe that this is what the LDS church tells us, However, as I read this book, I as struck with how differently these things are taught.

Dr. Laura seams very angry (of course she is! We are ruining our kids!) and in reading her book, I became very angry. How can people DO that? How can they be so dumb? All I got out of the book was the anger to keep fighting (which I suppose is good) and a feeling of superiority over stupid, inferior mothers.

The Church teaches the same principles, but out of love and peace. It tells us about the heaven we create when when value families, not the hell we create when we break them. When I read these ideas from the church, I feel hope towards the future. I feel like I need to be better at doing my part, I feel like helping others with their part. I feel love for all of God's children.

So, in the end, this book is correct, but I would rather read "The Family Proclamation".

So, that's my 2 cents.

[Annie]

I absolutely loved this book. In a generation of depleting values and morals, this is a great source to reach to in difficult parenting situations. Although she is less than graceful about her delivery on some pretty sensitive subjects, you really can't argue with the facts. There was one section I didn't agree with but I simply took it with a grain of salt. the first half of the book was good but I REALLY enjoyed the second half. I intend to read this book again when my children are entering their teenage years! if you are pregnant, a parent or want to become a parent READ THIS BOOK!

[Beth]

I had to read this book for a class in college and was deeply affected by it. I wish every parent in America would read this book!! Dr. Laura brings up a lot of important points about how parents are the one's that need to raise their children, not pay others to do it. The book really makes you think, and will hopefully help improve family life in America.

[Stacey]

I am a fan of Dr. Laura big time. She can be pretty harsh and can create a dismal world, but I don't hear enough people yelling loud enough for the rights of children. I totally support this book and the message. PARENTS: You cannot have "child-free parenting"! Stay at home!!

[Kristen Tepfer]

I've listened to Dr. Laura for quite a few years and have always found her to be refreshingly direct and unwavering on the importance of human values. I read a review that this book was a must read before having children, and I now agree, but I think it is a must read for anyone at any time. It centers on the most important thing in the world, raising children. Dr. Laura has certainly mastered this discussion and has clearly pulled together an abundance of research for this incredibly insightful book. People don't want to talk about how, as a whole, we are failing our children. But after reading this book there will be no ignoring or excluding oneself from the responsibility to set out on the right path to raising children, or change what you know is not working in your current arrangement. I would highly recommend this book to one and all. Thank you Dr. Laura!

[Lesli]

An interesting books, but most of the things she says are common sense. It was like reading horror story after horror story of how parents let teenagers ruin their lives, and allow their children to live amoral lives. It would be have been a beneficial book, if my husband and I spoiled our child, put them in daycare, and couldn't say no to their every whim. But since we don't have a problem with any of those things, I probably could have skipped this one.

[Brandon O'Neill]

Just making sure I'm on the right track here! So many sad/pathetic stories of people who have kids just to check them off of a list of things "to do" in their lives. I've never considered myself a "baby" person, but I am since having one! It is such a special priviledge, even when you are tired, washing out the same bottles every night, and doing lots more laundry then I ever have done before.

[Eve]

I don't think I can handle any more Laura Schlessinger. I agree with most of what she has to say, but the delivery makes me so irritated. The first section of this book is spent explaining why she is such a wonderful parent although she has a career. The rest of the book is example after example of horrible parenting or "don't be like this" scenerios mixed with soap box style rantings.

[Maria]

I really liked her book, the proper care and feeding of husbands, and I learned from it~she can just be a little harsh at times but I agree with most of what she says. So I am sure I will like this one too.

[Karrisloan]

I love Dr. Laura because she says it how it is. It makes you think about how your decision may affect your children. It's a pretty easy read.

[Jena]

loved it!

[Joyce Haner]

This book is really depressing. I liked many of the points she makes but I already held the points of view prior to reading the book.

[Robyn Ouchida]

Dr. Laura is always very concise and outspoken - I think she's right on with this book!

[Emily]

I agree with a good 90% of what she says...but her craziness can get exhausting.

[Jody]

Dr. Laura, you are my hero! If only everyone listened to you! A must-read for every parent/would-be parent.

[Valerie]

Dr. Laura tells it like it is, and doesn't sugarcoat anything! A potential wake-up call for many of today's parents.

[Bree]

Notes:
minus the spanking talk, this is an excellent book

[Jocelyn]

She had a few good points, but most of the book was just ridiculous.

[Ivy Murillo]

3 1/2

[Laney]

Like an incoherent and factually inaccurate Fox News anchor tangent for 264 pages. I wanted to enjoy this because I really love some of her other work, but it was a waste of time