Customer Reviews

Making Peace with Your Parents

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read a previous edition of this book 16 years ago and I am still reaping the benefits. At first, I hesitated to purchase the book because I didn't feel ready for peace. It turned out the book was really about working with the irritation with my parents I had built up over the years. Doing all the exercises in this book was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Afterwards I felt stronger and more at peace and it was so much easier for me to have enjoyable conversations with my mother without feeling annoyed. It wasn't like I had to have any confrontation with her about anything either. I just felt better around her and it made our relationship so much better.

Don't just read the book. You have to take time to seriously DO all the exercises. I don't think just reading the book would accomplish much.

This book walks the reader through steps in seeking out the everyday childhood issues which have been overlooked yet are hindering function as an adult. The exercises will exhause you, bring tears, and at times make you resent the author even suggesting anything like this could be true, yet once the exercises are completed, a new level of awaereness and freedom emerges. It is definately worth the reading, but it is also a book which only gives he reader what the reader is willing to put into it. Give 100% and the return will be in gold!

This book has saved me a lot of time in therapy. The author's experience in helping clients work though many of the same issues that I'm faced with. His format worked great - summary real-life example, what's the issue, what did he advise (maybe some exercises if it's "easier said than done"), and what was the result. It's given me a whole new set of tools for recognizing what is going on between the words with my mom and I, how I CHOOSE to deal with situations, and take responsibility for building a new relationship.

You'd think that the advice would be dated by now, but it is wonderful. It was a much more helpful than the more "modern" book that I also ordered.

In the 80's, while browsing the bookstore, someone had recommended this book to me. And I reacted with, "No. I don't think so."

Internally, my reaction was, "But you don't understand where I come from. Nobody has experienced anything like this."

This internal reaction kept me unconsciously (psychically, if you will) beating up my parents and myself. It was an agreement with myself. Or, more appropriately, I nourished and preserved an excuse for my not reaching my potential.

I read this book in 1998. This was nine years after I had made a commitment to myself to endlessly grow.

Some other books that helped me were, "My Mother Myself," to understand my relationship with my mother. And, John Bradshaw's, "Family Secrets," to understand to unspoken truths.

Five years later, as I look at my life now, I am glad that I have made peace with my parents (They did the best that they knew how; and I love for that).

Recently someone whom I've known since 1976, but had lost contact with, said to me, "Wow. I'm glad I have a great family who is always here for me."

This was a wake up call for me, because I truly responded internally with, "Wow! I am glad that I had the experiences that I had. I am also glad that I have made a commitment to use each of those experiences to enhance my self-image. Without my parents, I wouldn't be all that I love about myself."

So, for those of you who fear reading a book that guides you to take responsibility for your life, congratulate yourself for recognizing your fear. That can be the beginning of your choosing to be the best you possible - and loving that.

I highly recommend this book. At first I worried that it would be out of date since it was written a while back. To the contrary, it is ageless. It goes to the core of the subject--making peace with your parents--and teachers you how to do it. This will give you great inner peace.

Book received well wrapped as promised however pages quite yellowed which was not mentioned. This is a must read book that I often give to others.

This book really touched a place in me. It has exercises in it that are great. I liked it so much I bought two more copies and gave one to my brother and one to my friend.

This is a not an ordinary book - It is a tool that should be used by those in the family who experience conflictive feelings with their parents. The sooner you begin practicing its teachings, the happier a human being you will become. This book will define your relationships in all realms of life. I have given it to some of my family members and friends. I challenge you to go into any Barnes & Noble, take a comfortable seat for a few minutes and read a few lines. I promise you that you will not leave without this book in your hands.

Honest, well-written guide to helping you get "unstuck" in the most challenging relationship of all--you and your older parents.