Hold on to your kids

Gabor Matei
,
Gordon Neufeld

"Matti's book will make you examine your own behaviour with fresh eyes." - The Guardian

“Bold, wise, and highly ethical. [Mattie] is a therapist to be admired.” —Naomi Klein, author of No Logo and The Shock Doctrine

Children follow their peers: coolness matters above all else. In shaping values, identity, and codes of conduct, peer groups are often more influential than parents. But this situation is far from natural and can be dangerous—it undermines family cohesion, interferes with healthy development, and fosters an aggressive and sexist youth culture. Children end up becoming conformists, anxious, and withdrawn. In Hold on to Your Kids, renowned physician and bestselling author Gabor Mate collaborates with Gordon Neufeld, a psychologist known for delving into the heart of complex parenting. Together, they identify the causes of this breakdown and offer practical advice on how to “reconnect” with sons and daughters, establish hierarchy in the home, make children feel safe and understood, and win back your children’s loyalty and love. This updated edition also addresses the unprecedented parenting challenges posed by the rise of digital devices and social media. By helping to reawaken our instincts, Mattie and Neufeld empower parents to be what nature intended: a true source of connection, security, and warmth for their children.