Parenthood by Proxy: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them

by Laura Schlessinger

Book Overview

Children's welfare is the driving force behind Dr. Laura Schlessinger's mission. A devoted mother to her son, Deryk, she identifies herself as "her kid's mom" because that's her most important job.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060191252
• ISBN13: 9780060191252
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Book

Arrived on time Good book

More people should stand up for KIDS like this!

I think it's sad that anyone has to try so hard to convince the people of this country to do what's right for their children, but it's apparent that many people don't even want to hear the message, so Dr. Laura takes a big stand on the unpopular (but right) stance. Everyone seems to want to blame the serious problems we encounter in our society on other people or institutions, but few are willing to take the responsibility for raising their own children properly. I wish there were more people promoting this message!For those of you who don't like Dr. Laura's style, you're entitled to your opinion, of course. But attacking the message on the grounds that you're entitled to do what you want and live your life however you want to just confirms the message of this book - that many adults are spending too much time taking care of themselves and ignoring their childrens' needs.I'm pregnant with my first child, and my husband and I are willing to make personal sacrifices in order to do what is right in raising this child, including giving up a good 2nd income and doing without the nice vacations and fun "toys" we've had in the past. I only wish more people felt this way.

Every person needs to read this before becoming a parent...

Dr. Laura's message is clear - parenting isn't a right, it's a gift. What we do with that gift makes all the difference in the world.I used to be a teacher. I quit the profession when I got tired of children not taking responsibility for their actions. Why should they, their parents aren't. The book drums home that we must take responsibility for our actions. It's not a new message, just one that has been lost.Her point is that before having children, the potential parents need to have a commitment to fulfill the obligation. Parents are obligated to provide a loving, stable environment for the child. They are obligated to putting their child's needs first. (Yes, having a child is an obligation!) They are obligated to teach their children responsibility, morality, and respect.For those of you who gave the book a low rating (some of you without even reading it), what is wrong with that message?

Those who need to hear this book's message will hate it!

Dr Laura pinpoints exactly how parents have abandoned their children in favor of satisfying their own desires. She presents a very strong case against the forces in American culture which conspire to undermine and denigrate families. Unfortunately, she won't win any converts with this book. The very parents she criticizes won't be swayed by Dr Laura's message here. The truth is just too painful. Alternatively, parents who are putting their kids first will cheer her and this book will bolster their choices.

A Punch in the Gut

I don't have kids -- though I would like to someday. However, I teach the kids that Dr. Laura describes in this book on a daily basis, and her assessment/analysis seems to be right on target. As adults, we are too busy attempting to be friends with children to set limits on behavior. Dr. Laura doesn't mince words and she doesn't pull punches. Be prepared to feel nauseated as you read her thoughts on how children are raised (or rather not raised today) because you will begin to recognize that the behaviors we see in the workplace from younger employees and the behaviors in schools are actually a direct result of how children are raised.Dr. Laura has made me even more grateful for the strictness of my parents (guess who will be getting some _really_ nice Mother's and Father's day gifts this year).

If you're thinking about having a child, READ THIS FIRST

I'm not a big fan of Laura Schlessinger. In fact, I didn't even know who she was until I started hearing all of the hoopla over her new TV show and the gay rights groups. In any event, my husband and I, both business professionals, are debating about having a child. I wanted one NOW (I am 37 years old!) and he wanted to wait. I heard her plug the book on her show, so I went out and bought it the first day it was released. I read it in one night and then I forced my husband to do the same. We both loved it. It addressed just about every quandary we had concerning raising a kid. After reading this book, I was thoroughly convinced that (as much as I want to have a baby), NOW is not the right time. My husband was actually right about this one. Neither he nor I are ready to quit our jobs. The fact that I want to have a baby NOW is a purely selfish. It's all about me and the ticking of my biological clock and my need to nurture. This book really gets down to the nitty-gritty and made me do a little soul searching. From the looks of things, most parents of today do very little soul searching before they pop out kids. So my husband and I are going to try to ignore the loud ticking of the biological clock. If and when we decide to have a baby, one of us will definitely quit our job, stay at home and actually do what a parent should do. In the mean time, I'll get a parakeet. If my clock stops ticking, we'll adopt. After all, it's about the child's needs, not the parent's. Thanks for the reminder Dr. Laura. She says it best, "if you won't or can't offer your child your being and time, don't make a baby - get a parakeet."