“The thrust of this work is devoted to ways of raising resilient children and bolstering
parents who tend to follow trends rather than march to the beat of their own drummer.
A recurring theme is the overscheduling of kids and the accompanying competition so prevalent
today. Donahue advises limiting extracurricular activities such as team sports and making
time for family dinners, independent play and outdoor exploration. The author points out
that not only parents but kids should learn to be more “mindful,” noting that even children
of the frenzied computer age can be taught to slow down. Donahue’s heartfelt discourse on
“what really matters” just might help anxious parents replace the rush to get ahead with a
calm and respectful attitude toward child rearing and life….” Publisher’s Weekly
"Parents
today are bombarded with advice which often only makes them more anxious. Dr. Donahue’s
calm, reasoned approach will help moms and dads sort out their concerns so they can stop
worrying about the future and enjoy their rapidly changing kids—now." -- Thomas. W. Phelan,
author of 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12
"Parenting Without Fear" is a truly wonderful book.
Dr. Paul Donahue, an experienced child psychologist, has masterfully identified the key
fears faced by many parents as they confront the challenges of raising children in today’s
world. He has shown how these fears can interfere with the development of six important
qualities in children that are associated with a more satisfying, hopeful, compassionate,
resilient life. Very importantly, Dr. Donahue offers practical, realistic suggestions for
managing these fears and he does so with warmth, humor, and empathy. This book will serve
as an invaluable resource for parents." -- Robert Brooks, Ph.D., Faculty, Harvard
Medical School; co-author Raising Resilient Children and The Power of Resilience:
Achieving Balance, Confidence and Personal Strength in Your Life.
"Parenting without Fear" is a timely book that provides welcome reassurance
to parents who worry that they are not doing everything they can for their kids. Dr.
Donahue does a masterful job of helping parents see how to overcome their fears and focus
on the lessons that young children need to learn. I hope it will encourage parents to do
less, not more for their kids. The book reminds us that what today's children need are
fewer not more activities and that unstructured time is not only a gift, but a necessity
for our over-scheduled kids." -- Nancy Samalin, M.S., Director, Parent Guidance Workshops;
lecturer and author of four books for parents, including Loving without Spoiling &
100 Timeless Tips for Raising Terrific Kids
"I can’t wait to buy Parenting Without Fear for my sons and daughters-in-law
--- really for my grandchildren! Paul Donahue addresses our most important and often most
challenging job in life, raising our children. With humor, compassion, and true stories
gleaned from years of clinical experience, Dr. Donahue guides and supports parents struggling
with daily challenges like bedtime and discipline and more abstract issues such as respect
and resilience. Reading this book is like having a therapist, a wise grandparent, and a
sage in one’s living room. Underline and enjoy!" -- -- Roxane Kaufmann, Director of
Early Childhood Policy, Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development.