The Illusion of Control in Parenting

Reviews the book, Growing Up Smart and Happy by Julius Segal and Zelda Segal (1985). This book addresses parents' need for current and accurate information about the multitudinous factors that may influence children's development from conception through adolescence. In question-and-answer format, it covers a remarkable range of topics from prenatal nutrition to motivation to achieve. The clarity of the presentation is both the strength and the weakness of this book. It speaks to parents unambiguously. It hedges some, but most researchers and professionals will feel uncomfortable with the aura of certainty conveyed and the lack of referencing in the text. Some parents--those who buy the book by its title--will be looking for pat answers, and they will find some. Others who are referred to the book by professionals may find reassurance in the authors' emphasis on the resilience of children and their ongoing potential for change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)