Becoming a Parent

'Everything you might want to know about the transition to parenthood is in this book. Becoming a Parent provides an astute, nuanced, and masterful analysis of different theoretical approaches and the findings of empirical research alongside the issues faced by real people through illuminating accounts of their experiences.' Susan Golombok, University of Cambridge, UK 'This thoughtful and well-researched book is a must-read for practitioners and researchers with an interest in parenthood in the twenty-first century. It explores the challenges of childbearing decision making and the transition to parenthood, and the complex ways in which they are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.' Karin Hammarberg, Monash University, Australia 'This very readable and fascinating book integrates descriptions of the multiple avenues to parenthood, illustrated with historical changes, divergent theoretical perspectives, and personal accounts of parents. The author sensitively captures the complex psychological processes inherent in the transition to parenthood. Prospective parents, educators, and many others will find it extremely informative.' George W. Holden, Southern Methodist University, USA 'Becoming a Parent is a twenty-first century book that captures the incredible variability as well as the predictable universalities of this important life transition. Carefully edited interviews with women and men from highly diverse backgrounds make the research-based information come alive. A must-read for students, educators, and policy makers.' Marsha Weinraub, Temple University, USA