Daniel A. Hughes (1)

Although I am not a parent nor a therapist (nor do I care to be one), I read this book based off of a recommendation because of my fascination with how the mind works. The information was insightful and interesting. I am thankful for the few psychology classes I had took years ago as this is very neuroscience heavy (as the title obviously expresses). Although, admittedly, some information was more difficult to grasp, overall this book is a great read for anyone who is interested in learning show more more about how one's brain effects and can be affected by child rearing. Not only does it give a glimpse at how your own childhood has shaped you (and your possible care-giving), but it also looks at how you can take control and consciously work on improving your relationship with your child through neuroscience. show less

This book was recommended to me by a therapist who is specially trained in working with children suffering from attachment issues. It is by far the best book I've read on the subject. As it tells the story of this horribly abused child, it also explains the strategy used by her therapist and foster mother to reach her. I don't think reading the book is enough to go forward and treat a child, but it does offer hope plus awareness into what sort of therapy and parenting is necessary.

I'd also show more like to point out that "attachment parenting" is all the rage now, and that children with behavior issues are now being routinely diagnosed as lacking attachment to their busy parents. Parents don't need to spend every waking moment entertaining their children, and families that spend less than 24x7 together don't necessarily have attachment issues. show less

"Building the Bonds of Attachment" is a book on parenting a poorly attached child. Mr. Hughes uses the story of a fictitious girl, Katie, to describe the life of a poorly attached child. He starts the story with her neglectful and abusive parents and follows her through three temporary foster placements and then into the therapeutic parenting by Jackie. Because of the story format, this is an easy to read book.

However, I don't think this book can or should be a stand alone book on show more attachment. I often wondered what he was describing and talking about in some sections, and I found myself wishing that he had explained some of Jackie's methods more thoroughly. This book needs books such as "Adopting the Hurt Child," "Attaching in Adoption," "Holding Time," and "Parenting with Love and Logic," as companions to it. show less