Parents Should Be Heard

For any parent or parent-to-be this book, originally published in 1972, was intended to open new doors, answering questions about themselves and their children, and be illuminating to many others professionally concerned with parents. Many real-life examples from the author's work demonstrate how parents who are encouraged to express their feelings through discussion in an unjudging atmosphere can better 'solve' their problems and enjoy their children. Readers learn through the experience of these typical parents who overcame fears of expressing their often surprisingly complex feelings. They also share, indirectly, the results of greater understanding and better handling of practical problems, such as the child who cannot sleep or runs away from home, the child with learning difficulties, living with mother-in-law, teenage rebellion, drug abuse, family upheaval and social tension. Physical symptoms of personal strain, such as back and head aches, may disappear. Examples of play techniques to help children directly with their emotional problems are also given. The author believes that parenthood is a natural opportunity for personal growth and enjoyment of life. Her philosophy is one of prevention even more than cure - parents' questions turn out to be the questions of all people, which left unheard and unanswered may lead to a multitude of social and personal ills. Conversely, greater understanding as parents can bring easier relationships at work, with friends and between husband and wife. The approach described often bridges a gap parents describe between knowing what to do, and how to do it. This book is a re-issue originally published in 1972. The language used is a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.

Daphne Nicholson Bennett trained in psychology and communication, she had a long-term interest in exploring the possibilities of attitude change in a variety of situations. She was, at the time of original publication, a professor at Mount St, Mary's College, Los Angeles, USA.

Preface. 1. Prologue 2. Happily Ever After? 3. A Philosophy of Listening: Early Days 4. Opening Doors - Parent Education and Psychotherapy 5. New Eyes for Old Scenes 6. Self-Chosen Journey Into Self 7. Becoming as a Child 8. Beyond the Doll's House 9. A Mother Learns to Study - a Problem of Hostile Identification 10. An Open Door 11. The Parent in the Child - the Therapy of Play 12. Epilogue: Adventure in Maturity.