SEX AND THE SINGLE PARENT

by Mary Mattis ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1986

A practical guide for single parents on managing their social and sex lives without traumatizing or alienating their kids, written by a psychotherapist. The best part of this guide is Mattis' constant refrain: parents must feel good about themselves in order to be good parents. This means recognizing their emotional needs--the importance of sex, affection, adult companionship--and respecting those needs. Single parents who sublimate these needs may end up looking to their children to fulfill them, thus forcing them into adult roles for which they are not yet prepared. Or these parents may end up blaming their children for their own unhappiness. Mattis emphasizes the necessity of communication between parents and their children, stressing honesty and openness. Among the problems handled here: jealousy, overprotectiveness, difficult ex-spouses, sex education, finding a babysitter, financial problems, legal considerations, preparing kids for a live-in lover or new spouse. There is also counsel on special problems that might arise in gay parenting. Although much of the advice here seems common, sensical--assuring kids of your love; keeping the lines of communication open--it is still helpful to have an expert's reassurance, and Mattis' specific guidelines will be a comfort in what can be a very difficult time.

Pub Date: April 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Holt, Rinehart & Winston

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION