From Publishers WeeklyThat their parents' divorce adds to the burden of children's growing up is amply documented by Garrity and Baris, child psychologists in Denver who specialize in treating partners of acrimoniously failed marriages. Their book is designed to help parents and the professionals who work with them arrive at solutions to stressful situations that will enable the children of divorce to grow into emotionally healthy adults. Interparental conflict affects children at all ages, but, the authors contend, children under five are especially vulnerable, while older children more often join in the conflict by taking sides. The authors' remediation model for containing, regulating and resolving anger is presented for use by attorneys, mental health professionals and divorced parents to shape an effective co-parenting plan that does not make pawns of children. Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.From Library JournalAlthough there have been other recent books on coparenting after divorce (e.g., Melinda Blau's Families Apart, LJ 1/94), Garrity and Baris focus primarily on situations where open conflict between parents continues years after a separation. Following opening chapters on the negative aspects of such conflict, the authors demonstrate how a parenting plan geared toward lowering the conflict level can help. This is realized primarily through the use of a "parenting coordinator," who is either hired by the parents or mandated by the courts. Two chapters focus on parental alienation, which occurs when one parent attempts to alienate children from the other. Although the majority of divorcing parents are not going to want a coordinator, the ideas in this book may be useful in severe cases. Recommended for large academic and public libraries.Kay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, Md.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.From BooklistSad to say, but this book is needed given the continuing high divorce rate and the hard feelings that so often result from divorce--not to mention the impulse of parents to get back at their ex-spouses. Child psychologists Garrity and Baris want to help vengeful parents "work out the dynamics of their conflicts," as well as to help the affected kids. They succeed by discussing how children cope with conflict according to their ages; and by demonstrating how to create, then implement, a positive parenting plan. Jo Peer-Haas what year are books in the public domain Caught in the Middle: Protecting the Children of High-Conflict Divorce
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. MUST READBy Jamie HodgesI'm six years divorced, being taken back to court for a custody battle by an ex-spouse who suddenly has decided he wants to be a father.This book was recommended by children's counselor and I devoured it. Really puts you on the side of the kids. Takes you out of the "he said she said" and battle against your ex and truly boils it down to what matters - the children.Some parts were a little hard to read because initially it paints a doomsday picture of children and divorce, but keep reading, and you'll be glad you did. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, there are healthy ways to cope, and children need to protected at all costs. Now, if I can just get my ex to read this...1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. must readBy T. Dalyi bought this when my wife left after an affair. it really puts things in perspective and keeps you focused on your kids; instead of hating on your ex. ironically i skipped all the sections on parent coordinator and my custody fight is finally over after two years and we have a parent coordinator. i would recommend that men dont fight the coordinator as hard as i did. with all the game playing its good to have someone recording them.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. It is intended to help them recognize the importance that the child be loved and not try to make the child a partner ...By CustomerI am providing this to parents of young patients when divorce has or will occur. It is intended to help them recognize the importance that the child be loved and not try to make the child a partner in hating the former spouse.