Having read the 1 star review of this book I can agree with the manner in which the book was written, and Dr Pruett's seemingly errant writing. But there is something far more fundamental and vital here beneath first glance assessment.
I read his first book The Nurturing Father at a time when I was acutely aware of my lack of fathering ability. My mother died before I turned 12, my father died when I was 35 and my four children were under the age of 12, all my grandparents deceased. I had nowhere to go for insight or advice. Both these books became reference material, study guides, and ultimately paradigm shifts for me. As a gift to my son when he began his journey as a young father it made him functional where he otherwise would have floundered. For the husband who is seeking to transcend the limitations of his upbringing Pruett's findings are essential reading.
The most illuminating concept I gleaned from this book in particular (against the backdrop of his previous one) is how vital the transference of bonding is from mother to father beginning when a child is born. If this does not take place, the relationship between husband and wife, and parent to child is unlikely to develop in full potential. From what I have observed of Western parenting (over a half century), neither husbands nor wives are fully cognizant of the influence the mother has in the transition of a man from husband to father. It is a process that is really a journey, both for the husband and the wife. It is true that fathers who are facilitated by their wives to bond with their child, rarely abuse them. If the mother does not wean herself from the exclusive bond of maternity, to include the bond of the father beginning with childbirth, his journey to be an involved and effective father (and husband) becomes much more arduous and more prone to serious mistakes. The child is often denied the vital nurturing in their early development that can be pivotal to their own success in relationships, both intimate and social.
Having stated the essential element of Dr Pruett' research, I do not imply he has all the answers, nor that he is perfectly correct in his conclusions. That is not his intent, nor mine. For the person who is seeking answers to their family dynamic, Dr Pruett's books are a wonderful insight. His findings explained a great deal of what was missing in my life, why my first marital relationship never got off the ground, and why mothers often fail to realize their most treasured hopes, and children like myself grow up wondering who their parents really are, and why they feel something is missing within themselves.
The reader should treat this book as a preliminary report. If you're looking for understanding and illumination as a parent, Dr Pruett's research is like a well-lit signpost in the night.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$16.95
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 9
Only 18 left in stock (more on the way).
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2013
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2011
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2014
