Dear Parents,
All parents understand the feeling of being willing to take on the pain of their child's stomachache, sprained ankle, or broken arm to relive their child of hurt. Most parents, though, would rather that their child have a broken bone than a broken heart. Seeing our chilren agonize over emotional pain brings up feelings of helplessness and desperation. As parents, we want to make it all better and save our children from the sometimes harsh realities of life.
But if they are to learn how to cope effectively with the personal challenges in their own lives, our children need to acknowledge and understand their own feelings rather than act out on them inappropriately or stuff them away. That's why it's so important for parents to observe and gently inquire when their children are in emotional distress - usually evidenced by withdrawn or angry behaviors. It is vital for parents to be able to talk about these things and to teach their children how to communicate what they are feeling.
Growing Up is Hard will help you help your child become stronger and more confident by exploring and facing disappointments, hurts, frustrations, and embarrassment.
Shalom,
Dr. Laura Schlessinger
One of the most popular hosts in radio history—with millions of listeners weekly—Dr. Laura Schlessinger has been offering no-nonsense advice infused with a strong sense of personal responsibility for more than 40 years. Her internationally syndicated radio program is now on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111, and is streamed on the Internet and podcast.
She's a best-selling author of eighteen books, which range from the provocative (New York Times chart topper The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands) to the poignant (children's book Why Do You Love Me?). She's on Instagram and Facebook (with over 1.7 million followers), and her Call of the Day podcast has exceeded one hundred million downloads. She has raised millions for veterans and their families with her boutique, DrLauraDesigns.com, which benefits the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
Dr. Laura holds a Ph.D. in physiology from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, and received her post-doctoral certification in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from the University of Southern California. She was in private practice for 12 years. She has been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, received an award from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for her Exceptional Public Service, and was the first woman ever to win the National Association of Broadcasters' prestigious Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality.
Daniel McFeeley is the illustrator of Why Do You Love Me? and But I Waaannt It! He has worked in film, television, and theater as a visual effects artist and designer. Mr. McFeeley lives in Van Nuys, California.
