• Walking on Eggshells

  • Navigating the Delicate Relationship Between Adult Children and Parents
  • By: Jane Isay
  • Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee
  • Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (130 ratings)

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Walking on Eggshells  By  cover art

Walking on Eggshells

By: Jane Isay
Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee
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Publisher's summary

We raise our children to be independent and lead fulfilling lives, but when they finally do, staying close becomes more complicated than ever. And for every bewildered mother who wonders why her children don't call, there is a frustrated son or daughter who just wants to be treated like a grownup. Now, renowned editor Jane Isay delivers the perfect gift to both parents and their adult children-real-life wisdom and advice on how to stay together without falling apart. Using extensive interviews with people from ages twenty-five to seventy, Isay shows that we're far from alone in our struggles to make this new, adult relationship work. She offers up groundbreaking insights and deeply moving stories that will inspire those in even the toughest situations. Isay's warmth and wit shines through as she charts an invaluable course through the confusing, and often painful, interactions parents and children can face. Walking on Eggshells is the much-needed road map that will keep you connected to the people you love most.

©2007 Jane Isay (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The stories are heartwarming, and Isay recounts them with intelligence and compassion." Publishers Weekly Starred Review

What listeners say about Walking on Eggshells

Average customer ratings
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  • 4 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

I am disappointed that it was only stories of other people ; but no real substance of advice for the situations.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

unrealistic. I was in disbelief throughout the who

the whole book is about how we as mothers should rabo and beg forgiveness of our children's childhoods no matter how unrealistic our children are. Did not help me at all

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

WAAAYYY TOO SLOW!

The speaker talked as you would to a kindergartner. Aaaggghhh! Frustratingly slow. The stories were not about parents being rejected by their adult children. It was stories about how parents got the respect and love by keeping their mouths shut. in other words, it's a how to book on Walking on Eggshells and loving it! Ugh.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

I’ve been searching for help on this topic for several years. I’ve been feeling alone with my struggles with my adult children in the 20’s, wasn’t sure if anyone else experienced these things and now after listening, I finally get the validation that it’s not just me. I could relate to many of these stories in one way or another. I would highly recommend this read for anyone dealing with children in their 20’s and 30’s as you make the transition and learn how to relate to your children at a new level.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Boundaries! Boundaries! Boundaries!

So many people never got the nurturing parental relationship they needed during development. Unfortunately, this leads to a large percentage of the population acting out childlike behaviors in adulthood. It seems the best way to handle this behavior is to establish clear boundaries and to stick with them. Walking on Eggshells gives sound advice for living with someone who has a mental illness. If you are in a relationship with an adult child, you need this book!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Judgemental narrator

I almost could not listen to this book as my own judgment of the tone of her voice, from sounding like a fairy tale in the beginning to lecturing in the middle. it took me have the book to realize this is a book of stories, perhaps written by a therapist of her clients struggles with family connections. once you get that it's a new perspective. Also, as I imagined Tom Hanks voice ready these stories, I settled down into the book. Lastly, I was correct in thinking that the author was seeking family connections because she needed desperately to understand her own. Perhaps one day I will read this book rather than listen and perhaps it will seem less judgmental and harsh... even though the narrator has a soft voice her voice could really be a weapon.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Don't waste money

SO BORING! DON'T WASTE MONEY ON THIS ONE. It couldn't hold my attention for 1 minute

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

slow but good

The performance is a little slow and the short stories become monotonous but very good solid helpful points made.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

destructive

This book discourages any effort to improve communication skills or build healthy relationships. Instead, it encourages avoidance, secrets in families and surrender of values. the book suggests that family problems are due to adult children and their sensitivities to "parental advice." There is no consideration for family roles or trauma that takes place in dysfunctional families.

Having said that. it is not written by a professional. However, I read this because a professional had recommended it to a client. As an LCSW, I find this book to be inappropriate for families who are seeking healthy resolution.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
  • MC
  • 08-23-21

Avoid the audible. Just skim the book.

I really wanted this book to be helpful and I really wanted to like it.

A. Sorry but I couldn't bear the narrator. I can't handle that high pitch ultra feminine voice with exaggerated emotions. And what if a man wanted to get this content? I turned the speed way up but I still couldn't do it.

B. So I read it on Kindle. Some extreme examples in the book of clueless people. And so many seem to have money. Parents upset because kids won't take their money? What? Maybe that's just who the book is written about and for. I think the book is maybe good for the generation before us. There are some helpful things. Plenty of examples that you're not alone in this. Anyway, stop judging, if you are, and don't give advice.

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1 person found this helpful