Caught in the Middle: Protecting the Children of High-Conflict Divorce [Paperback]

Carla B. Garrity (Author), Mitchell A. Baris (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0787938793 | ISBN-13: 978-0787938796 | Publication Date: August 1, 1997 | Edition: 1

Takes a hard look at the consequences of intense conflict between divorced parents

This book explores both the causes and consequences of high-level, stressful conflict between divorced parents on their children's development. It also provides concrete advice to help parents work together to the benefit of all involved, most importantly the children.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

That their parents' divorce adds to the burden of children's growing up is amply documented by Garrity and Baris, child psychologists in Denver who specialize in treating partners of acrimoniously failed marriages. Their book is designed to help parents and the professionals who work with them arrive at solutions to stressful situations that will enable the children of divorce to grow into emotionally healthy adults. Interparental conflict affects children at all ages, but, the authors contend, children under five are especially vulnerable, while older children more often join in the conflict by taking sides. The authors' remediation model for containing, regulating and resolving anger is presented for use by attorneys, mental health professionals and divorced parents to shape an effective co-parenting plan that does not make pawns of children.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Although there have been other recent books on coparenting after divorce (e.g., Melinda Blau's Families Apart, LJ 1/94), Garrity and Baris focus primarily on situations where open conflict between parents continues years after a separation. Following opening chapters on the negative aspects of such conflict, the authors demonstrate how a parenting plan geared toward lowering the conflict level can help. This is realized primarily through the use of a "parenting coordinator," who is either hired by the parents or mandated by the courts. Two chapters focus on parental alienation, which occurs when one parent attempts to alienate children from the other. Although the majority of divorcing parents are not going to want a coordinator, the ideas in this book may be useful in severe cases. Recommended for large academic and public libraries.
Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, Md.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787938793
• ISBN-13: 978-0787938796
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,835 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Layperson and Parent's Review, December 2, 2007

By 

C. M. Standley "Broomhilda Snort" (Back in the Sticks) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Caught in the Middle: Protecting the Children of High-Conflict Divorce (Paperback)

I am a parent who shares custody with a long and difficult history. This book has been instrumental in providing me with deep insights into how my reactions and behaviors are affecting my child, and what I can do to help. Its is not a self-help book, but the information in it is instructive to help, particularly for the child being parented. I am quite appreciative of the information and how it was presented. It also gave me valuable perspective into the child custody evaluation process and the particular evaluator engaged for our matter. Its nothing a parent either needs or wants experinece with personally. I wish I had read it or been referred to it before/while participating in our evaluaiton a few years ago - My kid would have benefitted most.

5.0 out of 5 stars must read, December 31, 2010

By 

T. Daly (portland, oregon United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Caught in the Middle: Protecting the Children of High-Conflict Divorce (Paperback)

i bought this when my wife left after an affair. it really puts things in perspective and keeps you focused on your kids; instead of hating on your ex. ironically i skipped all the sections on parent coordinator and my custody fight is finally over after two years and we have a parent coordinator. i would recommend that men dont fight the coordinator as hard as i did. with all the game playing its good to have someone recording them.

5.0 out of 5 stars great for professionals and parents, November 1, 2010

By 

M. Reich "poet realist" - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Caught in the Middle: Protecting the Children of High-Conflict Divorce (Paperback)

This is a great book for both therapists working with divorced parents and the parents who keep their children "caught in the middle" -- written very clearly for the lay person while also helpful to professionals.