The 8 Seasons of Parenthood: How the Stages of Parenting Constantly Reshape Our Adult Identities (Hardcover)

by Barbara C. Unell (Author), Jerry Wyckoff (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Be it spring, summer, fall, or winter, the start of a new season marks a time of change and growth. In 8 Seasons of Parenthood, co-authors Barbara C. Unell, founder of Twins magazine, and family psychologist Jerry Wyckoff, M.D., explore the very predictable cycles of parenthood, showing how each waxing and waning season shapes individuals and families. Beginning with pregnancy (a time when moms-to-be are the "celebrities" and their husbands are the "roadies"), the authors use familiar examples to describe the physical and psychological changes adults encounter throughout parenthood--be it the new mom who laments her lost waistline and freedom; the father of a teen who suddenly needs to revisit his bygone youth; or the lonely couple who can't face eating at the family dinner table once their children are off to college.

Wykoff and Unell succeed in providing a thorough guide for parents in any stage of the child-rearing game, taking care to share a diversity of circumstances from various socioeconomic sectors as well as the experiences of special-needs families in which a child's developmental disabilities prevent parents from reaching the final seasons. A final, thought-provoking chapter is dedicated to parents who find themselves in need of being "parented" by their own children. --Liane Thomas

From Publishers Weekly
Parenthood is truly not about how we raise our kids. Quite the opposite: Parenthood... is about the impact that our children make on us, an impact that gives definition and meaning to our entire adult life cycle." With this original argument as their foundation, writer and activist Unell and child psychologist Wyckoff offer fulsome definitions of the eight season of parental life based on children's ages, from "Celebrity" (pregnancy) through "Volcano Dweller" (adolescence), "Plateau Parent" to "Rebounder." The authors' spirited introduction explains the book's thesis so crisply and comprehensively that there hardly seems to be a reason to read the ensuing chapters. Sure, there are some nuggets of good advice, case histories of struggling parents and piquant quotes from notables ranging from Bill Cosby to Kierkegaard; however, the text is so laden with cliches and belabored metaphors--"the sentimental journey of this season [Celebrity] takes on the rhythm of someone fitting a big Tupperware container into an already crowded fridge"--as to frequently render the authors' message unintelligible (and make the reader wonder what happened to the editor). Best to skip ahead to the book's last section, which provides information on starting a "Circles" group of same-season parents, copious notes and a helpful bibliography. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1st edition (April 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812930851
• ISBN-13: 978-0812930856
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,304,006 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Gift for New Parents, July 27, 2000

By A Customer

We received this book after our first child was born. I was SO glad to have this book, it validated all my feelings about having a newborn in the house and helped me gain perspective on what is in store. At a time of so much chaos, this book really grounded me! I look forward to using it as my child grows and my role as a mother continues to change.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have parenting book, May 12, 2000

By	Pat Kaufman (Prairie Village, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews

I'm a volcano dweller and a psychotherapist and I love the truth in this book. I thought I was going to mold my children, little did I realize how much they were going to mold me. This will be an absolute "must read" for all my clients who are parents. A definite "sanity enhancer" for those "how did I get myself into this" moments!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For EVERY Parent (and Grandparent)...A MUST!, April 23, 2000

By A Customer

As a mother of toddlers, this book has helped me appreciate how precious this "season" really is. After reading this book, I now know what to expect and will have more confidence in handling the ups & downs of parenthood. This is a MUST READ for anyone who is a parent-to-be thru a grandparent!