Parenting in the Zombie Apocalypse: The Psychology of Raising Children in a Time of Horror

by Steven J. Kirsh

Parenting is difficult under the best of circumstances--but extremely daunting when humanity faces cataclysmic annihilation. When the dead rise, hardship, violence and the ever-present threat of flesh-eating zombies will adversely affect parents and children alike. Depending on their age, children will have little chance of surviving a single encounter with the undead, let alone the unending peril of the Zombie Apocalypse. The key to their survival--and thus the survival of the species--will be the caregiving they receive. Drawing on psychological theory and real-world research on developmental status, grief, trauma, mental illness, and child-rearing in stressful environments, this book critically examines factors influencing parenting, and the likely outcomes of different caregiving techniques in the hypothetical landscape of the living dead.

271 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2019

About the author

Dr. Steven J. Kirsh received the Geneseo Psychology Club's "Most Likely to Survive A Zombie Attack" Paper Plate Award about 10 years ago. Although he is a self-professed expert in Zombie Literature and Lore, Dr. Kirsh lacks any of the requisite skills needed to survive the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a book great for quarantining. If you find yourself distraught by the world in COVID 19, this book definitely can serve as a guide to navigating difficult life situations. This book especially appeals to the inner zombie geek, parent, future parent, or anyone trying to understand how to deal with catastrophes. I think this is a great science backed book that can either help prepare one for modern day catastrophes or serve as a creative way to learn about raising a child no matter what the circumstances.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and educational read from a fantastic professor! Although I am not a zombie genre fan, I felt like the book gave a good introduction to a lot of zombie films and novels. I might have to check some of them out! This would be a good read for someone interested in both the psychology of parenting and the effects of living in apocalyptic times