Good-Enough Parent

In this sensible, humane, if opinionated tract, Bettelheim offers practical advice that encourages parents to develop their own child-rearing approaches. The eminent child psychologist (The Uses of Enchantment, etc.) strongly believes that severe punishmentphysical or emotionalinstills resentment in the child. Arguing that bottle-feeding, if done lovingly, can be an effective substitute for breastfeeding, he turns to Japanese mothers for examples of technique. Chapters on play describe cops and robbers, chess, dolls, war games and other activities as ways by which children can master reality. Bettelheim urges parents to recognize that children are ultrasensitive to adults' inner feelings. He brings deep insight to such everyday problems as temper tantrums, schoolwork, putting kids to bed and explaining Santa Claus. BOMC alternate. (May 11)