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

Laura Schlessinger

Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Apr 26, 2000 - Family & Relationships - 267 pages

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.

Never one to shy away from tough truths, Dr. Laura marshalls compelling evidence for the widespread neglect of America's children and convincingly condemns the numerous rationalizations to excuse it. Parents, special interest groups, and professionals in education and psychology all contribute to a dangerous trend that places adult fulfillment above obligation to children. Parenthood by Proxy addresses the serious causes and effects of this national crisis, among them the high rate of divorce, serial marriages, single parenting, the premature sexualization of children, dual-career families, disdain for religion, the redefinition of immoral behavior as lifestyle choices, and societal intolerance for the concept of judgment.

In Parenthood by Proxy, Dr. Laura exhorts parents to make their own children their top priority and, if necessary, to change their lives to do so. In her inimitable, straight-shooting style, Dr. Laura entreats parents to involve themselves in their children's hearts, minds, and souls, to cherish and protect them, and to commit to the essential task of teaching them right from wrong. She acknowledges that parents no longer get much support from neighbors or public and private institutions, but she urges mothers and fathers to work even harder to counteract the prevailing culture of selfishness and irresponsibility.

Parenthood by Proxy covers all aspects of parenting, from childbearing to discipline, from multiple families to being role models. Dr. Laura also tackles such cultural and societal concerns as abortion, modern sexuality, drug and alcohol use, violence, discipline, and a child's right to privacy.

Parenthood by Proxy is a passionate and provocative summation of the perils of parenting and a road map to safety for America's families.

Contents

• The Death of the Family: 23
• Dont Have Them: 69
• Dads Need Not Apply: 109
• Brave New Baby: 132
• Spare the Rod: 154
• Give Them What They Want: 197
• ChildFree Parenting: 246
• Epilogue: 263

About the author

Dr. Laura Schlessinger holds a post doctoral certification in marriage, family and child therapy and is licensed by the state of California as a marriage and family therapist. She is the author of best-selling children's books, Why Do You Love Me?, But I Waaannt It!, Growing Up Is Hard and best-selling adult books, Ten Stupid Things Couples Do To Mess Up Their Relationships, Ten Stupid Things Parents Do to Mess Up Their Kids, The Ten Commandments, How Could You Do That? The Abdication of Character, Courage and Conscience, Ten Stupid Things Men Do To Mess Up Their Lives, and Ten Stupid Things Women Do To Mess Up Their Lives. Dr. Laura is a leading radio talk show host whose weekday show is syndicated nationwide to approximately 12 million listeners. She is also the president and founder of the Dr. Laura Schlessinger Foundation, devoted to abused and neglected kids through its unique outreach of My Stuff Bags. She lives with her husband, Dr. Lew Bishop, and their son, Deryk, in southern California.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Parenthood by Proxy: Don't Have Them If You Won't Raise Them
• Author: Laura Schlessinger
• Publisher: Dr. Laura Schlessinger, 2000
• ISBN: 0060191252, 9780060191252
• Length: 267 pages
• Subjects: Family & Relationships / General; Family & Relationships / Parenting / General; Family & Relationships / Parenting / Parent & Adult Child; Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy; Psychology / Developmental / Child