Parenthood in America: Undervalued, Underpaid, Under Siege

Product Description Our society is engaged in heated debates about family values, childcare, education, and the future of children. Largely missing from these debates is any serious discussion of the complex vocation we call ""parenthood."" This book recognizes parenthood as a lifelong process in which parents and children grow together. The distinguished contributors call for families, employers, communities, government, and society to give parents real help with their day-to-day concerns and challenges. Parenthood in America brings the insights of experts in child development, education, health, media studies, economics, history, sociology, and human services to bear on practical aspects of childrearing and on policies that have a real effect on parenting. They call for: family-friendly workplaces and decent childcare options family health care for all programs that aid children's development as well as their physical health recognition by professionals of parents' expert knowledge about their own children alternatives to vapid or violent games and TV programs prioritization of time for family meals, talks, chores, and activities valuing of caring relationships above wealth and possessions appreciation of cultural and religious diversity family support networks in communities. Review We can and must build communities that care about besieged parents. We know what to do. Will we do it? - T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., from the foreword About the Author Jack C. Westman, M.D., is professor emeritus of psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison. His many books include Born to Belong: Becoming Who I Am; Licensing Parents: Can We Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect?; Handbook of Learning Disabilities; and Who Speaks for Children? Individual and Class Child Advocacy.