When Parents Hurt

Compassionate Strategies When You and Your Grown Child Don't Get Along

By: Joshua Coleman PhD

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

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)

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.

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.

It’s hard to get past the robotic speaking

I really want to ”read” this book but it’s difficult to listen to. It doesn't sound like a person reading it. It sounds like a computer robot voice. Extremely disappointing

worth a Listen

I appreciated the efforts the author made to understand. I would have liked a special mention of what to do when your adult daughter gushes love onto your spouse but blames you and cuts only you out of their lives.

Great parenting book

Excellent book both to read as an adult child, and as a parent. It helps to understand parents, and why they did what they did, and how we may have been brought up and how that upbringing reflects in how we parent, which in turn reflects on our kids behavior.
Tools are given to navigate many possible scenarios.

A wonderful resource for parents and clinicians!

This book is a wonderful resource for parents and clinicians (maybe even attorneys to recommend to their clients).

A lifesaver

I will listen to this book multiple times. The questions raised really do make you think of your own actions and how they contributed to the place you find yourself in with your grown children. I am grateful for the suggestions here that allow me to hold on to hope and get through some of the most difficult moments.

Very good

The voice of the narrator is fine. Ignore those who are criticizing it. The questions are fine as well.

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.

Eye Opening and Real

My life is changed in the most positive way from this book. Truly and eye opening experience and I am so glad I've stumbled upon this excellent book. The narration felt robotic and almost like it was read by automation which I found distracting. that said, the information has indeed changed my life for the better.