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Compassionate Child-Rearing: An In-Depth Approach to Optimal Parenting
Firestone describes a process through which parents can uncover and work through ambivalent feelings toward their children, to gain a more compassionate view of family life. (Parenting)
392 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
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333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 17, 2021
Amazing, although possibly not for the faint of heart, or to those without at least some previous reading or experience of psychotherapy. It opened questions on many of the relationships in my past and present, and I had to leave it several times to digest sometimes painful feelings it aroused. Having recently become a parent, I have been searching for information to help me not pass on my own issues to my child. This book has left me we with a lasting new idea, that of the 'fantasy bond' - loosely an imaginary connection between family members which creates a feeling a security but lacks the full qualties of real love and affection. It also really shone light on why certain inevitable episodes of life with a baby can feel so difficult. Knowing the kinds strong feelings that are often aroused and why, has allowed me to question whether really my reactions really belong in the present, and this extra self awareness has hopefully helped me be more patient and adaptable.
January 29, 2021
Wow. I’ve read many parenting books, and this one by far was the most impactful, insightful, and life changing without being prescriptive, formulaic, or guilt-inducing. It was truly eye-opening and humbling. And I’m so grateful to have realized and faced truths about myself and my upbringing through this book. It feels truly liberating. It’s not a light read, though, and I’ve had to put it down periodically to process my emotions in between. The truth will set you free, but at first it might be hard to swallow. This one was deep.
June 30, 2024
Once upon a time, the Church of Scientology acquired a website that was previously dedicated to cult awareness. They deviously continued to operate it, and used it to promote scientology.
Readers should view this book in a similar light. Firestone leads a cult called The Friendship Circle. Within this cult, children are systematically removed from their parents and placed under the care of surrogates. Parents, mothers in particular, are strongly discouraged from having any contact with their kids. Firestone taught the kids a mantra - "Don't be a dummy, stay away from your mummy".
It was often the case that the surrogates were eventually deemed to be guilty of the same sins as the biological parents, and the kid would be bounced to a new surrogate without any input from the real parents.
Firestone isn't a legitimate source for parenting wisdom.
The Firestone cult is exposed here: thebobcult.com
Readers should view this book in a similar light. Firestone leads a cult called The Friendship Circle. Within this cult, children are systematically removed from their parents and placed under the care of surrogates. Parents, mothers in particular, are strongly discouraged from having any contact with their kids. Firestone taught the kids a mantra - "Don't be a dummy, stay away from your mummy".
It was often the case that the surrogates were eventually deemed to be guilty of the same sins as the biological parents, and the kid would be bounced to a new surrogate without any input from the real parents.
Firestone isn't a legitimate source for parenting wisdom.
The Firestone cult is exposed here: thebobcult.com
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews