When Parents Hurt

By: Joshua Coleman PhD

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

This unique book supports parents who are struggling with the heartache of having a teenager or an adult child who is troubled, angry, or distant. Such rifts can cause unspeakable sorrow that parents too often must bear alone. Psychologist and parent Joshua Coleman, PhD, offers insight, empathy, and perspective to those who have lost the opportunity to be the parents they desperately wanted to be and who are mourning the loss of a harmonious relationship with their child.

Through case examples and healing exercises, Dr. Coleman helps parents:

• Reduce anger, guilt, and shame
• Learn how temperament, the teen years, their own or a partner's mistakes, and divorce can strain the parent-child bond
• Come to terms with their own and their child's imperfections
• Understand how society's high expectations of parents contribute to the risk of parental wounds

By helping parents recognize what they can do and let go of what they cannot, Dr. Coleman helps families develop more positive ways of healing themselves and relating to each other.

©2008 Joshua Coleman, PhD (P)2016 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"This is a hot topic." ( Library Journal)

Not worth tour time...

Reading was very poor and very robotic. Stopped listening after 1st chapter. Would actually love to gett money back.

3 people found this helpful

Gives clear steps of what to do.

Really appreciate the clear steps given to take in estrangement. Was shocking to hear him describe me to a T as a result if my childhood.

Very supportive for estranged parents and kids

This was a recommended read because of the anguish experienced when family members experience estrangement. It helped me tremendously. Listening to others' experiences made me feel less alone in coping with this painful part of life's journey. Most of all, the book helps to get the reader to the point of acceptance and hope without as much of the grief, confusion and guilt. Narration pleasant and easy to listen to.

Excellent book for hurting parents

Tragic heartbreaking stories experienced by parents can be made easier because of this book. This book is a bit like cleaning out an infected wound but the immediate pain of facing reality is countered quickly with a soothing balm that makes the pain much more manageable and even at times makes one able to set it aside for a time. It also provides for the healing of that wound that may not have been possible without the honesty of this book. While this is not a quick fix book - nor does it provide any guarantees - it provides for the possibility of hope in what may be the most painful occurrance in human life. Thanks to the author for writing this.

Not a good audible selection

I do believe the content provided by Dr. Coleman is worthwhile. However the format of the book, with questionnaires interspersed throughout, made it difficult to listen to in audible format.
I forced myself to listen through to the end, so grateful when it was over.

Required reading for parents of kids 7 and up to prepare for the next 15+ years!

Comprehensive "Preventative medicine" for proactive parents to be well prepared for the next 15+ years.