Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Laura Schlessinger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001

Following her previous New York Times bestsellers, Dr.Laura Schlessinger, the conscience of talk radio, now addresses an issue near and dear to her heart: the stupid things parents do to mess up their children. Never one to shy away from tough truths, Dr. Laura marshals compelling evidence for the widespread neglect of America's children and convincingly condemns the numerous rationalizations to excuse it. These are just a few of her hard-hitting points:

• Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them: "The cavalier manner in which our society treats child care, not as a matter of intimacy and love, but as a matter of convenience and economics, is deeply destructive to our children's sense of attachment, identity, and importance."
• Dads Need Not Apply: "Single motherhood may be more acceptable to society, but it is not acceptable to children; nor is it in their best interest."
• Brave New Baby: "In our society, reproductive freedom means anyone can decide to create a life by any means with no, and I mean no, consideration of what is in the best interest of that new human being."
• Spare the Rod: "Children without discipline often become adults with tempertantrums, defiance, rage, depression, anxiety, poor school and work adjustment, drug and alcohol abuse."

Stupid Things Parents Do to Mess Up Their Kids covers all aspects of parenting and also tackles such cultural and societal concerns as abortion, modern sexuality, drug and alcohol use, violence, discipline, and a child's right to privacy.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, a licensed marriage and family therapist, is one of the most popular talk-show hosts in radio history and the only woman to win the prestigious Marconi Award for syndicated radio. She is the author of twelve New York Times bestsellers, writes a daily blog, and is a regular Newsmax columnist. She is heard daily on Sirius/XM Channel 155 live, and her program is streamed and podcast on www.drlaura.com. Dr. Schlessinger has her own YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/drlaura). She is also the skipper and driver of a racing sailboat program that won the 2010 international race from Newport Beach to Cabo San Lucas. She and her husband live in Southern California.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• ISBN-10: 0060933798
• ASIN: B0007NOYLG
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,697,992 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Laura Schlessinger received her Ph.D. in physiology from Columbia University and holds a post-doctoral certification from the University of Southern California and licensing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is the author of nine New York Times bestsellers, including THE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF MARRIAGE. Her award-winning radio program is internationally syndicated by her Take On The Day company. It's broadcast every day on more than 250 stations, XM Satellite Radio, and the Armed Forces Network, and is stream-linked and podcast on www.drlaura.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's think about the message in a broader context, April 27, 2005

By 

A parent and a reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them (Paperback)

Great book; it get's you thinking. My kids arre almost out of the nest and they are all I could ask for. Yes, I worked. But not until they were in school, almost always part time and I did not use 'working' as an excuse to not volunteer at school, sports, and generally be in my kids lives. The point is really about your priorities. Do you instinctively put your kids needs first? It's been interesting to see how things have worked out with families in our area. We have a large group of kids who have been together since kindergarten; now they are seniors. You can instantly tell which parents were connected, involved and had their priorities straight. Not all of them stayed home the whole time.
On and off I used to listen to Dr. Laura, frequently agreeing, but many times not. What I love is that she has an unpopular point of view and she's not going to let social, financial, or industry pressure dilute her message. Yes, she's frequently abrasive; so were many people who have made an impact in the course of events in this world. If you are a parent with young children READ THE BOOK at least it will give you important ideas to agree or disagree with.

58 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read, Think & Consider, August 26, 2001

By 

S. Glowacki "s3k" (Baldwinsville, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them (Paperback)

I would like to state that I do not agree with all Dr. Schlessinger has to say. BUT on this issue I do agree that too many parents these days place convienence and material wealth over the welfare of children. She does not condem those parents that must work literally to put food on the table, or a roof over a family's heads. Rather, it is a condemnation of personal greed, an attack on the ever increasing need to "keep up with the Joneses." I have been on both sides of the issue as a mother of two. If you are not able to put a career on hold, to not drive the newest car or plan a budget so tight it nearly strangles you - then you will find this book EXTREMELY uncomfortable/annoying/offensive/disturbing - pick your adjective. Personally I am not condeming families where both parents choose to work and use daycare/nannies, etc. I only ask that they truly consider their choices regarding their children, and this book can really help raise the issues parents need to consider. Read it with a grain of salt and an open mind. Believe me, I CAN'T WAIT till my youngest is off to school so I can go back to work during the day!!!

87 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parenting takes effort? Who knew!, June 12, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stupid Things Parents Do To Mess Up Their Kids: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them (Paperback)

A WONDERFUL book that should be required reading for EVERY woman
before even getting pregnant. And share it with your husband! This
book gives real life problems and practical, common sense solutions
that actually work, as well as how to help combat the mainstream
attitude that children are here for us and for our 'fulfillment' and
pleasure. Parenting is a full time job. Not just a hobby to do in your
free time. This book will be hated by those who are selfish and don't
want to have to take responsibility and sacrifice for the child they
chose to bring into this world.
It's sad that we now need a book to tell us to do what both humans &
animals have been doing naturally for thousands of years, but people
have rejected in recent decades. The facts and the results prove true,
and they're worded straight to the point without a lot of fluff and
filler. I liked the original title better, but my guess is the words
were too big for some peo!ple. I got this one in hardback as soon as
it came out and it's the parenting book I value the most.