Custody Revolution: Father Custody and the Motherhood Mystique [Hardcover]

Richard A. Warsh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1992

A possible solution to the custody problem in divorce cases looks beyond accepted wisdom to examine what is truly best for the children, using scientific evidence to argue in favor of custody for the father. 30,000 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Warshak contends that the "motherhood mystique"--a widespread belief that women naturally make better parents than men and are more important to their children than fathers are--often leads courts to give custody to the mother in a divorce settlement regardless of the father's wishes or her own situation. A Texas psychologist, he argues that we must revise this outmoded way of thinking and take into greater account factors other than the parent's sex in awarding custody. He draws on numerous studies to argue that children, especially boys, who live with their father may be more confident, more popular, more successful in school and generally happier than those who reside with their mother. He offers advice on how to negotiate flexible custody arrangements (including checklists to help parents make the decision) and discusses joint custody as well. No matter which parent gets custody, Warshak emphasizes, it is vital for both of them to maintain close relationships with their children. A valuable, commonsensical guide.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

A psychologist specializing in child-custody issues argues forcefully for overhauling the adversarial process by which custody decisions are usually made--and for abandoning the ``motherhood mystique,'' the assumption that mothers have superior custody rights because they are uniquely suited for raising children. Warshak bases his arguments on numerous research studies, including his own Texas Custody Research Project, a 15-year study of 64 white, mostly middle-class families, one third of whom were intact, one third with children in the custody of the father, and one third with children in the custody of the mother. He cites data indicating that fathers are just as important to the psychological development of their children as are mothers, and that children in father-custody homes do as well as those in mother-custody homes. Indeed, he presents evidence that boys generally do better in the custody of fathers. But Warshak is not arguing to substitute father custody for mother custody. His research indicates that children of divorce do best when they are involved meaningfully with both parents--and when conflict between parents is minimal. He advocates using professional consultation and mediation to work out joint custody solutions, and keeping arrangements flexible to accommodate family changes. Warshak hopes to alter how society thinks about child custody, and he offers proposals to lawmakers and judges for revising the present system, as well as guidance to other mental-health professionals working with divorced parents. Lists and summaries abound, making his ideas crystal clear. Worthwhile reading for anyone involved in divorce and child- custody issues. -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671746944
• ISBN-13: 978-0671746940
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,078,175 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Richard Warshak's groundbreaking studies, trenchant challenges to gender stereotypes, and passionate advocacy for children have made him one the world's most respected authorities on divorce and child custody. He has written two books, dozens of academic journal articles and chapters, and several Op-ed columns. Canada's Globe and Mail editorial called him, "A force to be reckoned with."

Dr. Warshak's first book, "The Custody Revolution" (Simon & Schuster), earned him an invitation to the White House; the fundamental reforms the book promoted have since become mainstream in family law. "Divorce Poison: How To Protect Your Family From Bad-mouthing and Brainwashing" (HarperCollins, 2002/2010) is the classic and best-selling parental alienation resource in the world. The Warshak Brief on relocation influenced a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of California.

A graduate of Cornell University and Clinical Professor of psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dr. Warshak's work is featured in media worldwide including NBC Today, ABC 20/20, CBS Early Show, CNN, CTV, FOX & Friends, CourtTV, New York Times, USA Today, Macleans, Washington Post, London Sunday Telegraph, Toronto Star, SEMANA, National Public Radio, Time, and a PBS documentary. His DVD, "Welcome Back, Pluto: Understanding, Preventing, and Overcoming Parental Alienation," is the leading resource for families whose children struggle to stay out of the middle of parental conflicts. Dr. Warshak is a Huffington Post blogger, and you can also find his work at www.warshak.com and his personal blog, Plutoverse, www.warshak.com/blog.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is an absolute must for non-custodial fathers., March 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Custody Revolution: Father Custody and the Motherhood Mystique (Hardcover)

This book destroys any argument that can be made against shared parenting, unless there has been a history of abuse on the part of a parent. His research shows that children raised through shared parenting are happier with the arrangement and on average are better adjusted to the divorce than are children raised in mother-custody homes. Through painstaking research, the author shows how men and women are equally adept - albiet different - at parenting. Mr. Warshak shows that presuming mothers are better parents - and hence should be the primary custodian - is detrimental to the children, the father, AND the mother (after all, how many single moms complain about having to "do it all?"). When I read the statistics on what happens to children who are raised without a father in them home, I resolved once again that I would do all I could to be a presence in my son's life, and to make sure he knows his Daddy loves him. This book reinforces without a doubt that children need their fathers AND their mothers. Mr. Warshak then makes a strong argument for shared parenting, and advises parents to avoid litigation at all costs. He even shows sample schedules for balancing custody where there are more than one child involved, so that each child gets some one-on-one time with both parents.

Throughout this book, the emphasis is not on trying to get more custody for personal satisfaction, nor as a means to reduce child support. The main concern throughout the book is "what is best for the children?" And once we've concluded what's best for the children, how can we possibly do anything else?

I wish that this was required reading for attorneys and Judges, and anyone involved in family law and/or divorce counseling. This was an eye-opener for me, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

0 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Blatant Disregard for the FACTS, the Statistics and the TRUTH, August 6, 2011

By 

movie lover - See all my reviews

This review is from: Custody Revolution: Father Custody and the Motherhood Mystique (Hardcover)

How on earth has this author succeeded in getting a book published that is so completely contemptuous of the facts.

78% of men who ask for sole or joint custody get it. 12% of women do.

This man should be banned from publishing such biased trash.