Walking on Eggshells

Navigating the Delicate Relationship Between Adult Children and Parents

By: Jane Isay

Narrated by: Ann Marie Lee

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

Enjoyed this book

I enjoyed this book, many empty nesters in different stages of that season .

slow but good

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

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!

Great book for parents of adult children.

I laughed, I cried, I was moved emotionally in ways unexpected. It was hard to put this one down.

many stories

After several chapters, I was convinced ,'not alone' in this issue. The book left me hopefully, but not with 'help' I sought on the issue. Yes, families are complex and have history. Guess I'm ready to seek individual therapy on this subject, to enhance my coping.