Search

Based upon the view that character development is not by and large the result of special lessons, but is rather embedded in and the product of the child's growth, this book focuses on how the intimacy of the ordinary day stimulates and enhances the child's potential for morality, devotion, and idealism. The book identifies general themes in the intimate relationship between parents and children and shows how to support and enhance positive character development. Vignettes from everyday situations and cases from clinical practice are used to highlight typical issues concerning parents and illustrate treatment of troubled children and adolescents and their families. The book defines the parents' mission as learning to trust and enhance the child's emerging maturity rather than simply concentrating on behavior management. Organized chronologically, the book examines personality development from early childhood through adolescence while interspersing subjects that recur throughout development. Topics considered include the parent-child love relationship, parental authority and temper, building self-discipline, the typical "back and forth" pattern of development, emotional development, conscience development, materialism and emphasizing people, citizenship in school, student motivation, adolescent needs and fostering maturity, sexuality, and spiritual values. Contains 12 references. (KB)