Why Parents Matter: Parental Investment and Child Outcomes - Hardcover

?Teachers and counselors, as well as parents and parental figures who want to help children lead healthy, creative, and balanced lives will find this an informative book.?-Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health "The nurture assumption', that good parenting is important for child development, has recently been under surprising attack. If you want to know why the assumption is correct, read this book. It provides an excellent overview of the essential research."-David Popenoe Professor of Sociology, Rutgers University author of Life Without Father "Teachers and counselors, as well as parents and parental figures who want to help children lead healthy, creative, and balanced lives will find this an informative book."-Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health

There is a feeling of helplessness in the hearts of many parents. The social problems that they used to only read about in newspapers are becoming manifest in their children's school, in their neighborhoods, and in their own homes. This is the most appropriate time for a book that affirms the importance of good parenting in promoting happiness, self-esteem, and a desire for achievement. Why Parents Matter challenges parents and parental figures to take responsibility for their children. Barber argues that parental investment is an essential ingredient for a child's successful upbringing. Parents must see that the paramount role they play can improve their children's lives and, by extension, create a better community and society. Genetic and societal causes of delinquency are excuses used merely to avoid blame, according to Barber, who supports this argument with clearly explained evidence. In today's world, teen pregnancy, divorce, and crime are undeniable and common realities, but it is time to change these realities. This change can begin with effective parenting. Our world will improve as we more actively parent our children to become responsible, well-adjusted adults. This book offers guidance to parents and parental figures who wish to explore why it is that our youth are in danger and how we can help to inspire them to learn the elements necessary to lead healthy, creative, and balanced lives.