Product Description

Here, at last, is a book brimming with the good news of raising children—the basic reassuring news about happiness and unconditional love, about enduring family connections and kids who grow up right. Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., father of three and a clinical psychiatrist, has thought long and hard about what makes children feel good about themselves and the world they live in. Now, in The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness, Dr. Hallowell shares his findings with all of us who care about children.

As Dr. Hallowell argues, we don’t need statistical studies or complicated expert opinions to raise children. What we do need is love, wonder, and the confidence to trust our instincts. This inspiring book outlines a 5-step plan that all parents can use in giving their children the gift of happiness that will last a lifetime. Connection, play, practice, mastery, and recognition: as fundamental as these five concepts are, they hold the key to raising children with healthy self-esteem, moral awareness, and spiritual values. Dr. Hallowell explores each step in depth and shows how they work together to foster trust, respect, and joy.

Privilege, wealth, and expensive “extras” are not necessary for happiness—there are many stories here of children who have overcome poverty, abandonment, and shocking deprivation to find true fulfillment. Dr. Hallowell encourages us as parents to reconnect with the moments in our own childhoods that made a difference; he explores the impact of genetics and environmental factors on the inner workings of a child’s mind; and he discusses how activities like team sports, community service, religious observance, and household chores can foster a child’s sense of mastery.

Like the works of T. Berry Brazelton and Benjamin Spock, The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness is infused with the wisdom and humanity of a doctor who truly loves and understands children. Writing with the warmth of a friend and the authority of an expert, Dr. Hallowell gives us a book at once practical and exuberant, joyous and informative, eye-opening and reassuring. Ultimately, this book is a celebration of childhood and of the magic that happens between parents and the children they love.


From the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52757 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-26
• Released on: 2003-08-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Hallowell (Driven to Distraction) provides a refreshing look at what children really need in order to grow up to be happy adults. Hallowell argues that kids do not need straight As, a crammed schedule of extracurricular activities or even a traditional family in order to become contented adults. What children really need, according to the author, are unconditional love from someone (not necessarily a parent) and the opportunity to revel in the magic and play of childhood. Kids do not need perfect lives, and learn from adversity and failure, but for the best chance of future happiness, Hallowell says, they need five basic tenets: to feel connected, to play, to practice, attain mastery and receive recognition. It's easy to get caught up in the "great riptide that sucks kids out of childhood and into an achievement fast lane as early as nursery school," Hallowell warns. Instead, he says, parents should focus on social/emotional health and happiness, creating an environment in which kids are free to "develop the muscles of confidence, optimism and hope." Drawing upon the research of optimist expert Martin Seligman, happiness researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and others, the author offers a solid case for establishing joyful childhood roots that form the basis of adult contentment. Though occasionally overly sentimental, Hallowell's heartfelt message is essential for our fast-paced, electronic age, reminding parents and children alike to slow down, enjoy life and learn to play well. (Oct.) Forecast: The publisher plans a solid media package, including an 8-city author tour, but Hallowell's name alone will boost sales.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Hallowell (Harvard Medical Sch.) here aims to help parents give children the tools needed to achieve happiness. Though he provides useful, up-to-date information backed by quotes from many books and research studies, readers may resist his socioeconomic assumptions. Hallowell speaks as if everyone has attended an Ivy League school, for example. In addition, the vignettes used to illustrate various points often involve Hallowell's family, and it gets tiresome to read how terrific his children are. The absence of a bibliography is a further stumbling block. A much more accessible and easy-to-read book about raising happy children is Steve Biddulph's The Secret of Happy Children. Still, Hallowell's book may be requested because of his reputation and his previous publications, which include the popular Driven to Distraction, which addressed attention deficit disorder. Purchase this new book only where demand warrants. Alice Hershiser, Reedville, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Hallowell, a psychiatrist, offers a five-step program to help parents increase the likelihood that their children will enjoy childhood and grow into productive and happy adults. Using interviews with parents, educators, pediatricians, psychiatrists, social workers, and children of all ages, Hallowell explores the "roots of joy." He asks basic questions of parents regarding their aspirations for their children and advises parents to look back on their own childhood, recalling positive and negative memories and taking lessons from them. Separate chapters address each of the five steps--each step leading into the next--of connection, play, practice, mastery, and recognition. Using case studies and vignettes, Hallowell emphasizes teaching children to deal with adversity and develop self-esteem and the ability to create and sustain joy, supplementing his advice with practical suggestions to implement the five-step plan in daily life. A useful resource for parents and educators. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Recommended for Anyone with Children
This is an excellent book, which shows that in childhood you plant the seeds for adult happiness. It gives concrete suggestions about what to do for your children in order to improve their odds of becoming happy adults.

A few things struck me in particular: the idea of flow, that we are happiest when we are in activities that we get so wrapped up in that we forget ourselves, the concept that children need to learn how to fail, and how to cope with failure, that being bored is an opportunity, you needn't fill up every minute of your child's time, or orchestrate their play.

I'd recommend it to anyone with children, or anyone, such as teachers, that deal with children. Even an unhappy adult, might find out that they have the seeds of happiness within them, they just need some care to make them grow.

Outstanding, Hallowell does it again!
Indeed, one's happiness is best not left to chance! Dr. Hallowell, in his pioneering work with children teaches all of us as parents, educators, and professionals working with children that happiness is about feeling loved, connected, and secure in the world. Through his personal experiences and professional interactions as a child psychiatrist, Dr. Hallowell thoughtfully reminds us of the significance of playfulness, optimism, and joy in our daily lives. This enlightening book is both thought provoking and brilliant and should be read by anyone wishing to enhance happiness in the lives of children!

Wonderful, Wholesome and Loving Advice
This is a wonderful book --- simple steps that can have a major impact on helping a child find joy and happiness. Relevant for children of all ages, this is good advice for parents, teachers and anyone who works with and loves children. Sound, practical and wise advice that emplasizes the importance of connecting with children, appreciating the simple things in life and celebrating the beauty of childhood. Adults can make a difference in a child's life.

Take time to read this book. Children are our future!!