"Parents have a responsibility to prevent anxieties in their children's lives and save their childhood making sure it remains innocent, playful and stress-free."
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Parenting Under Stress by Dr. Maha Broum, Ph.D. Trafford Publishing
book review by Shannon Johnson
Dr. Broum examines the various factors that lead to the increased levels of stress in American homes on the part of both children and parents. She points out the stressors attributable to technology, media, pollution, and the perception of what life should be. In addition, there are other more tangible stressors like money, work/life balance, and the lack of sleep. The book then switches gears to focus on how parental stress leads to the placement of enormous pressure on children to perform, be it in extracurricular activities or academics. After providing a wealth of statistical data on the effects of stress on children, Broum wraps up with advice for parents on the best way to handle personal stress and that of their children.
Broum's main advice is for parents to employ stress relief techniques and to do a mindset overhaul. The writing style is decidedly academic, right down to the in-text citations. The book is full of statistical data to support the evidence and the advice provided. Overall it is very informative, perhaps too much so to be engaging. The length precludes a deeper analysis that might appeal to parents looking for deeper insight into recognizing and handling their parenting issues. However, the book follows a logical and linear structure, from beginning to end, and succinctly and intelligently lays out proof and evidence of its wisdom. All in all, the author meets her purpose of raising "parent’s awareness of stress they and their children go through as they face the pressures of modern life."
RECOMMENDED by the US Review