PARENT POWER
By
Dr. De Rosis has counselled parents in schools and community centers, and like many a successful group leader, as she undoubtedly is, she accomplishes her instruction through a series of meandering insights -- fine for the workshop but it makes bothersome reading. The author skips around what seems to be her main thesis: that once realized, parent power -- parental impact on the child -- can be utilized to prevent serious problems. She stresses the need to avoid guilt and self-contempt to maintain good mental health for the family's well being. Intelligent examination of the parents' own motivation and feelings, identifying the immediate problem re the child, seeking alternatives and choosing an action, can work. Honesty and kindness are important. De Rosis has a keen understanding of common household phenomena: the mother who doesn't want to listen to school news while she's ""thinking"" (fantasizing); the parents who are sure that firmness is meanness; the plight of the ""Supermom"" who must live with floating anger, etc. A plethora of firm ideas but disorganized and repetitious.