The Trouble with Perfect: How Parents Can Avoid the Over-Achievement Trap and Still Raise Successful Children

by Kathy Matthews and Elisabeth Guthrie

As competitive parenting has been on the rise since the 1980s, so have rates of teen suicide, eating disorders, depression, and drug use. Yet the cycle of "push parenting" doesn t show signs of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0767907515
• ISBN13: 9780767907514
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Good Advise

I loved the book! As a parent raising three teenage children in this very competitive world, this book was a dose of reality. Sometimes you find yourself caught up in how things "look" rather than what's right for your children. This book made me take a closer look at my children and what their individual strengths and interests are, and how I can nurture them to become happy and successful adults. I especially liked the Strategies chapter, which offers some hands on tips for situations that are familiar to many parents. The book was an easy read, with a friendly tone and a sense of humor that made you feel good about your children and what you can do to help them in a positive way when you were finished reading it.

I liked this one a lot!

My wife and I are always arguing about how much to push our kids: I'm the one who takes the more relaxed position. I think that all this competitive parenting is out of control. Now I have something to point to when we get into a discussion. Dr. Guthrie looks at the big picture - something too many of us parents forget to do! And it helps to see how we're being sold this idea of 'perfection' for our kids and to know that you don't have to join the herd and in fact your kids will be better off if you don't. I've recommended this book to a couple of friends. I think if more people read it and relaxed about their kids 'achievement' in sports and school and everywhere, everyone - parents and kids - would be better off!

Help for Gifted Parents

Kathy Matthews offers no-nonsense advice with a sense of humor. This how-to-parent-and-feel-good-about-yourself book is a must read. . .and, along with Jim Trelease's book on reading aloud to your children, will certainly become a standard baby shower gift from me in the coming years. Matthews speaks with the authority of a mother comfortable in her own skin--and with her own children. Brava, Ms. Matthews!

A must read for parents

In "The Trouble with Perfect" Dr. Guthrie offers a unique and much needed perspective on raising children in this modern age of competition to always be the best and have the best. Not only is this important book enlightening and refreshing in its content and message to parents, it is enjoyable, easy to read and funny while exploring serious and difficult topics. This book is a "must read" not only for parents, but for all adults who spend time and interact with today's children.

Timely and Valuable

Now here's a book on raising kids in today's high pressure world that is worth reading and remembering. I both enjoyed it and took away a ton of insights and helpful suggestions. Raising kids is no easy task and this book does not pretend it is. It does, however, help you put the whole process in perspective with a common sense, two feet on the ground approach. The easy, comfortable and, at times, humorous writing gives you the impression you are sitting on the front porch listening to a wise friend who has seen and heard it all. No doubt, this is a book that will be passed from parent to parent, or at least should be. I'm buying another copy for my brother; mine's all marked up.