Connecting With Our Children: Guiding Principles for Parents in a Troubled World

by Roberta M. Gilbert

Parents want a special relationship with their children Parents care. They want to guide their children through the rough spots in life and help them make the right decisions. Research shows that a special parental connection is extremely important in safeguarding children against dangers such as substance abuse, sexual promiscuity, criminal activity, and suicide. This is more important than ever before in today's troubled world. But what does making this connection mean? Based on Bowen family systems theory, Connecting with Our Children shows parents how to build the connection found in better relationships. Now parents have a new way to think about and respond to family problems. The author examines common concerns, such
* How substance abuse can repeat through generations
* Why fusions between family members drive conflict
* How family anxiety can erupt into violence
* Whether stepfamilies can create a new family unit
* What roles faith and humor play in a family
* How effective are special contributions made by connections with grandparents
Numerous practical examples and stories illustrate familiar situations and concerns, so that parents can learn how to deal with the often confusing situations surrounding their children, as well as those within their own lives. With a different perspective, parents can learn to overcome these difficulties, creating a stronger family and a happier, more open relationship between parent and child.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Carlos Tenorio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and practical

This is a very useful resource for therapists who want to put parenting issues in the biggest context. It not only explains the influence of the extended family members’ relationships on parenting, but also provides the necessary steps towards a more functional reality. If the anxious dynamics of family change, the society also changes. This content brings hope not only for families but also to a troubled world.

[Scott Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have known the author for three and a half years. I am presently apart of the Advanced Seminar in Extraordinary Leadership based on her work with Dr. Murray Bowen and Bowen Family Systems Theory. Her group is THE CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF HUMAN SYSTEMS. She is a long standing, and celebrated, faculty member at the famed BOWEN CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF THE FAMILY at GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY in WASHINGTON DC. This is a book for teachers, therapists, clergy, medical professionals, social workers, coaches, scout masters, church staff and lay leaders, school administrators, politicians who strive to be public servants. It is for police officers and those who work in probation. It is for judges and lawyers.... and juries. It is for all of us !

[Lindsey Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert is such a nerd, but so smart. Highly recommend this book.

[Cy Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Effective tools for improving all family relationships

Dr. Gilbert writes persuasively about Family Systems Theory first developed by Murray Bowen. This book explains and describes how to use the eight concepts in the context of your immediate family.