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.

Worth listening to!

Some very practical guidance for parents with adult children! Thank you for the helpful insights.

Brilliant writer!

Thank you so much for this book, you are my new favorite author! I learned so much! If you have a child...may I recommend this book to you.... =)

Anectodal

This was my first attempt at studying more to help my journey to a more peaceful and honest relationship with my parents. The book is made up of different family’s stories, which is what I both liked and disliked about this book. I appreciated the perspective that this gave. However, the next book I read I hope will focus more on healthy practices and tools for this type of relationship building.

Just what was needed.

This book is a compilation of stories of empty nesters experiences. It was helpful to get a balanced look at those perfect families.

Very helpful for anyone with loved ones with BPD

Excellent book, and very helpful in understanding the why behind confusing emotional roller coasters. I found it help me understand much better some inexplicably emotional incidents that previously just left me spinning and confused. It helped me to better anticipate potential conflict (which previously seemed random and severe), and mitigate it with clear communication while still maintaining healthy boundaries.

I strongly recommend. People giving this a bad review might themselves be uncomfortable with some of the implications for themselves, which can be hard to read- the authors don't really hold back. Applicable to partners, parents, children and friends.