We're Still Family : What Grown Children Have to Say About Their Parents' Divorce
Author(s): Constance Ahrons
What is the real legacy of divorce? To answer this question, Constance Ahrons, Ph.D., interviewed one hundred and seventy-three grown children whose divorcing parents she had interviewed twenty years earlier for her landmark study, the basis of which was the highly acclaimed book The Good Divorce. What she has learned is both heartening and significant.
Challenging the stereotype that children of divorce are emotionally troubled, drug abusing, academically challenged, and otherwise failing, Dr. Ahrons reveals that most children can and do adapt, and that many even thrive in the face of family change. Although divorce is never easy for any family, she shows that it does not have to destroy children's lives or lead to a family breakdown. With the insight of these grown children and the advice of this gifted family therapist, divorcing parents will find helpful road maps identifying both the benefits and the harms to which postdivorce children are exposed and, ultimately, what they can do to maintain family bonds.
Review(s):
“A more nuanced picture of divorce, one that defies sound-bite conclusions.... Constance Ahrons is generous, wise and pragmatic.”
“Here is the REAL story of divorce for today’s rearranged families.”
“With clarity and compassion, Dr. Ahrons presents solid research that gives us answers to the questions plaguing families and clinicians!”
“An astounding accomplishment! Filled with insights and advice....If you want the best for your children, read this book.”
“Engaging, eminently readable...an important piece of social history that will be consulted by scholars for many years to come.”
“Ahrons, one of this country’s foremost authorities, offers sound advice about how divorcing couples can promote their children’s well-being.”
“With her long-term unbiased research, Ahrons shows that children can grow up secure and loved by both parents.”
“Required reading for those contemplating or recently or long-divorced; adult children; clergy, mental health practitioners, teachers and policy-makers.”
”Insightful, wise and honest, this longitudinal study is an important addition to our understanding the family after divorce.”
“The voices of grown children are compelling,! Filled with practical advice for helping two household families tap into unanticipated strengths.
ISBN: 9780060931209