In today's battle for the hearts and minds of our kids, who is winning? Are parents? Or are our sons and daughters disappearing from our lives? In The ReMade Parent, Brett Hetherington helps mothers and fathers recognize how, why and where their parenting is under the greatest pressure. He explains the deeper reasons for men too often failing in their role as fathers and looks truthfully at the current phenomenon of many mothers increasingly "opting out" of being genuinely involved in their children's lives. This book says that the recent global economic recession has provided us with the perfect moment to re-think and then re-make parenting. Drawing from years of personal case-experiences, extensive research and original interviews with real parents, the author wakes us up to the simple fact that we can all do better as those responsible for bringing up our kids. He argues that most of young people's problems in the 21st century begin either before or outside of school but too often they become destructive in the classroom. He makes clear how the solutions start with us, as mothers and fathers. The ReMade Parent also raises serious questions about how our rapid-paced working lives mean that our sons and daughter's needs are too often overlooked. It uncovers exactly how and why our kids are slipping away from us and suggests what to watch out for. The author provides concrete ways we can change and explains why we may have to. He also examines whether Spain is the ideal place for bringing up kids. Finally, Brett Hetherington offers an optimistic picture of 'The ReMade Parent' the carer we all have within us, waiting to be awakened - a new kind of thoughtful, understanding, and physically present parent. One that will provide the "continuous care, concern and affection" that our children need now more than ever.
About the Author: BRETT HETHERINGTON is a parent and former foster-parent. He was a secondary school teacher for 15 years in Australia, Japan, England and Catalonia, northern Spain (where he has lived since 2006). Brett is a regular commentator for Australia's ABC Radio where he reports on family and cultural life in Spain and his journalism has appeared in publications including The Guardian and Barcelona Metropolitan. He has also worked as a speechwriter and researcher for a Member of Parliament in Australia, specialising in education and social policies. He is currently a staff writer for Catalonia Today magazine.