FROM THE PUBLISHER

Parents, grandparents, and educators read volumes of child-rearing books, yet their well-intentioned efforts continue to produce an increasing number of overindulged brats, who grow up to become resentful adults with exaggerated feelings of entitlement. I Refuse To Raise A Brat educates readers about the damaging consequences of overgratification and why frustrating experiences are necessary for children to mature into healthy and resilient adults. Down-to-earth and compassionate, it shows how to distinguish between overgratification and love, break the pattern of overindulgence, and provide children with the sense of responsibility they will need to cope with life's many challenges.

SYNOPSIS

Brats of the World, Watch Out!

Not all of us can afford to hire an expert to help us raise our children to become well-adjusted, well-meaning people, but I Refuse to Raise a Brat just might be the next-best thing. We are invited to participate in the discussion between Marilu Henner and psychotherapist Dr. Ruth V. Sharon. Here's the basic idea: There are lots of brats around these days, and although no one wants to raise one, parents often do not understand how overgratification can harm their children -- and that a healthy dose of frustration could be just what the doctor ordered.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Actress Henner, who entered the realm of authorship with a couple of health books, now offers her advice on parenting. A supporter of psychoanalyst Ruth Sharon, Henner's basic philosophy is that children are overindulged and thus do not develop into independent adults. Through a Q&A format, Henner relates Sharon's theories about many childhood concerns such as sleep and discipline, adding anecdotes from her own experiences with her two preschool-age sons. Like other books of this nature, this one has some nuggets of useful advice. The overall presentation, however, is impractical with its black-and-white view of parenting. While real-life examples can personalize otherwise dry information, Henner becomes grating and self-serving when talking about her own children. In addition, she provides misleading information about breastfeeding. The most interesting portions are her memories of her own colorful childhood, making the listener hope that Henner's next writing venture will be an autobiography. While this program can supplement well-rounded parenting collections, it should not replace more comprehensive manuals.--Susan McCaffrey, Haslett H.S., MI Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

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