Here, at last, is a book brimming with the good news of raising children—the basic reassuring news about happiness and unconditional love, about enduring family connections and kids who grow up right. Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., father of three and a clinical psychiatrist, has thought long and hard about what makes children feel good about themselves and the world they live in. Now, in The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness , Dr. Hallowell shares his findings with all of us who care about children.

As Dr. Hallowell argues, we don’t need statistical studies or complicated expert opinions to raise children. What we do need is love, wonder, and the confidence to trust our instincts. This inspiring book outlines a 5-step plan that all parents can use in giving their children the gift of happiness that will last a lifetime. Connection, play, practice, mastery, and recognition: as fundamental as these five concepts are, they hold the key to raising children with healthy self-esteem, moral awareness, and spiritual values. Dr. Hallowell explores each step in depth and shows how they work together to foster trust, respect, and joy.

Privilege, wealth, and expensive “extras” are not necessary for happiness—there are many stories here of children who have overcome poverty, abandonment, and shocking deprivation to find true fulfillment. Dr. Hallowell encourages us as parents to reconnect with the moments in our own childhoods that made a difference; he explores the impact of genetics and environmental factors on the inner workings of a child’s mind; and he discusses how activities like team sports, community service, religious observance, and household chores can foster a child’s sense of mastery.

Like the works of T. Berry Brazelton and Benjamin Spock, The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness is infused with the wisdom and humanity of a doctor who truly loves and understands children. Writing with the warmth of a friend and the authority of an expert, Dr. Hallowell gives us a book at once practical and exuberant, joyous and informative, eye-opening and reassuring. Ultimately, this book is a celebration of childhood and of the magic that happens between parents and the children they love.

From the Hardcover edition.

爱德华•哈洛韦尔（Edward M. Hallowell）

著名儿童心理学家，毕业于哈佛大学和杜兰大学医学院，曾在哈佛医学院任教22年，现任哈洛韦尔认知及情绪健康中心负责人。他也是注意力缺失领域的顶尖专家，帮助孩子和成人解决分心带来的困扰。

共出版了《分心不是我的错》《分心也有好人生》《分心的孩子这样教》《分心也有好婚姻》等18部著作。近30年来始终致力于用自己的专业知识和经验帮助人们最大限度地发挥自己的潜力。

多次接受《纽约时报》《新闻周刊》《时代周刊》《洛杉矶时报》等知名报刊的采访，活跃于CNN等美国一线电视媒体。