Raising Black Children: Two Leading Psychiatrists Confront the Educational, Social and Emotional Problems Facing Black Children (Plume) [Paperback]

James P. Comer (Author), Alvin F. Poussaint (Author)

Book Description

Series: Plume | Publication Date: November 1, 1992

A guide to raising African-American children focuses on such problems as building self-esteem, helping children cope with racism, teaching children to excel in school, and more. By the author of Maggie's American Dream. 25,000 first printing. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this revision of their acclaimed parenting manual Black Child Care: How To Bring Up a Healthy Black Child in America ( LJ 5/15/75), noted psychiatrists Comer ( Maggie's American Dream: The Life and Times of a Black Family , LJ 11/1/88) and Poussaint explore central psychological, social, and educational aspects of child development from infancy through adolescence. Using a question-and-answer format, they address problems and situations particular to raising an African American child in a predominantly white society. Topics discussed include how to cope with racism, the pros and cons of busing, and universal child - rearing concerns. Many issues overlooked in traditional parenting manuals, such as the absent parent, gang involvement, and teenage sexuality, are treated here with admirable candor and directness. The importance of developing a child's self-esteem, sense of security, and racial and personal pride is affirmed throughout. This is a necessary addition to all parenting and parent-teacher collections.
- Linda Cullum, Lake Superior State Univ. Lib., Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Plume (November 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452268397
• ISBN-13: 978-0452268395
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 1 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #626,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Raising Black Children, December 13, 1999

By 

Sylvia (Clinton, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raising Black Children: Two Leading Psychiatrists Confront the Educational, Social and Emotional Problems Facing Black Children (Plume) (Paperback)

I first read this book in 1992 when my daughter was 2 years old. I have found it to be a very useful tool in answering many of my questions with regards to the changes that she has gone through and the fears she may face as an eight year old. I also have an eleven year old son, who was having a problem controlling his anger. I referred to the book, and learned how to help my son understand the importance of controlled behavior, and alternative ways to express anger. I have also encouraged my son to read certain chapters in the book, to let him know that he is not alone in what he is feeling. I like the fact that this book deals with real life problems, and offers real solutions. My husband and I are parents who do not believe in spanking our children, it was a joy to read that the authors supported our views on the harms of spanking. I give away copies of this book to friends and famalies who ask me how we have been able to raise two, generous, kind and well behaved kids.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Answers many Questions concerning Arican-American parenting, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Raising Black Children: Two Leading Psychiatrists Confront the Educational, Social and Emotional Problems Facing Black Children (Plume) (Paperback)

This book is actually a question and answer book. It has FAQ and the answers. I foud that many of the questions were right on time. I think I was expecting more of a narrative type of book, that is why I rated it 3 stars. Because I don't think it answered the most important question. How to raise Black Children.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ok I guess, August 16, 2009

By 

Felicia M. Smith "black girl" (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Raising Black Children: Two Leading Psychiatrists Confront the Educational, Social and Emotional Problems Facing Black Children (Plume) (Paperback)

I thought that this would be a child care book like touchpoint or what to expect but no it is not. It is dated and spends a strange amount time addressing if your child wants to be a pimp!!! Seriously this is a problem?! There is random pimping problem in the black community? Unless you are a prostitute I cannot see how pimping would come up in your daily life. It did not speak to a single problem or concern that I have a parent and I was disappointed especially since it was written by a black psychologist. I want things on spank verse no spanking, developmental skills at different ages that sort of thing. My nephew got into a fight with a white bully at school and when he finally confronted the bully and they fought after school on the last day my nephew beat him up the boy quickly call him Ni****. There was nothing in the book on that or even how to talk his parents. In school during black history month did nothing we sent the kids to school with African American inspired shirt HSBU and famous African American and no response from the school but on st. patricks day we got notes telling us to make sure we wore green for this special day. The only thing this book says on racism in the school is make sure your kid is lying on the teacher. REALLY?! What parent doesn't know that but then what?! There is nothing in this book on what to say or do if members of family are incarcerated or get into any trouble with the law. With over half the African American male population in jail as it was in the 80's when this book was published he was silent on this issue. What to do if your child is experiment with drugs. Every parent faces this fear black, white, city, suburbs there was nothing. Dating outside your race every parent will face this there was nothing in this book about this. This book was strange and preachy filled with platitudes on how race should not be a problem. With issues like early education, bilingual education ADD, ADHD, sexual abuse, dating, potty training and the million of issues that parents face this book is should be at the bottom of your list.