ABSTRACT

Parenting and Childhood Memories is a collection of stories about the ways in which parents’ childhood memories influence their current interactions with their babies and young children: the ghosts and magic of our minds.

This book explores the underlying meanings of parents’ memories that emerge in their perceptions of their children and their responses to the challenges of early development and the everyday life stresses of parenting. Drawing on extensive material originating in mother-child groups and parent consultations, the author demonstrates that parents’ emotional growth and ability to nurture their young children's emotional health is promoted by uncovering the links between the past and the present and unearthing the underlying meanings of seemingly inexplicable behavior. This original book, grounded in long-established psychoanalytic ideas, is about moments in early development and parent-child interaction that tell this story.

Offering useful insights, readers will be intrigued by the details of the therapeutic process described and be inspired by the outcomes. This book will appeal to psychoanalysts, therapists, mental health professionals, and parents.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|10 pages

A Baby is Born

chapter 2|20 pages

Childhood Memories and Ghosts

chapter 3|13 pages

The Inner World of Children

chapter 4|14 pages

Parents’ Insights

chapter 5|23 pages

Being a Parent

chapter 6|11 pages

Creating Shared Memory Narratives

chapter 7|10 pages

Parent-Child Differences

chapter 8|12 pages

Treasured Toys

chapter 9|3 pages

Being Grandparents

chapter |2 pages

Epilogue