The Path of Parenting: Twelve Principles to Guide Your Journey (Paperback)

~ (Author) "An entirely different picture of "family" is emerging in the new millennium..." (more)
Key Phrases: controlled belly breathing, parenting mission statement, sinking power, Tai Chi, Principle Three, Principle Seven (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

What makes The Path of Parenting so supportive is that it focuses on the parent rather than the child. Vimala McClure reminds us that parenthood is a chosen task (whether consciously or unconsciously), and if performed with love and awareness it can inspire profound spiritual growth. Using the 12 principles of Tai Chi as her framework, McClure's chapter headings include "Slow Down," "Be Yourself," "Avoid Extremes," "Maintain Continuity," and "Accept and Validate." Since McClure addresses parents of babies all the way through parents of adult children, this book has a unique and timeless quality.

The lessons here are not always esoteric or meditative, such as the author's gritty anecdote about a drug-abusing girl who assaulted her daughter. Herein lies McClure's strength--the ability to integrate lofty principles into the humbling and often fumbling acts of parenting. Occasionally the book falters, such as in the long-winded passage on writing a "mission statement." But for the most part, McClure is a concise and engaging writer who clearly values and understands the spiritual journey of parenthood. --Gail Hudson

Product Description

The definition of "family" -- not to mention family structures and values -- is changing with lightning speed. As we enter a new millennium, adults are seeking new meaning to guide them in their role as parents. This book offers 12 principles based on t'ai chi to make the experience both satisfying and enlightening.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 257 pages
• Publisher: New World Library (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577310780
• ISBN-13: 978-1577310785
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,384,004 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Path of Life, May 29, 2000

By A Customer

I highly recommend "The Path of Parenting" by Vimala McClure.

She takes 12 principles from the Taoism and T'ai Chi and applies them to parenting. The wisdom Ms. McClure imparts beckoned me to look inward in order to find my outward relationship with Julien. (Isn't it always this way.)

As a result, I have started relaxing, slowing down, and enjoying the moments much more, not just with wee Julien but also with my partner Heather, my work, and even my *gasp* dad!. I have begun to meditate, not for long mantra-filled sessions, mind you, but with a few minutes of pleasant emptiness that really does get me more balanced for the day.

I don't often read non-fiction, but this parenting business is all pretty much self-study (pardon the pun) so I have gained a small library. This book is at the front because its taught me some fundamentals of not just parenting, but of living life...

James E.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, November 7, 2000

By A Customer

I had been exploring the prospect of adopting my three year old niece, and was looking for a way to frame this new stage in my life. The Path of Parenting helped me think about parenting as a part of my spiritual practice--and really gave me a way to create a new context for my life with my niece. I highly recommend it.