Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters

"In this important and conversation-starting book, veteran psychoanalyst Erica Komisar offers a provocative and compelling premise: a mother's emotional and physical presence in her child's life--especially during the first three years--means that her child has a greater chance of growing up emotionally healthy, happy, secure, and resilient. When that essential presence goes missing, the child is at higher risk for social, emotional, and developmental issues, both immediate and long term. Compassionate and balanced, and focusing on the emotional health and well-being of children as well as that of the mothers who care for them, this book shows mothers and fathers how to give their children the best chance for developing into healthy and loving adults"--
Based on more than two decades of clinical work, established psychoanalytic theory and the most cutting-edge neurobiological research on caregiving, attachment and brain development, a veteran psychoanalyst presents a thought-provoking book that, compassionate and balanced, looks at the importance of emotional presence in the first three years of life.
Argues that a mother's emotional and physical presence in her child's first three years leads to the child leading a more healthy, happy, and resilient life.
An essential guide for new moms, celebrating the importance of a mother’s presence in the first years of life**As seen on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, and CBS New York**In this important and empowering book, veteran psychoanalyst Erica Komisar explains why a mother's emotional and physical presence in her child's life--especially during the first three years--gives the child has a greater chance of growing up emotionally healthy, happy, secure, and resilient. In other words, when it comes to connecting with your baby or toddler, more is more. Compassionate and balanced, and focusing on the emotional health of children and moms alike, this book shows parents how to give their little ones the best chance for developing into healthy and loving adults. Based on more than two decades of clinical work, established psychoanalytic theory, and the most cutting-edge neurobiological research on caregiving, attachment, and brain development, Being There explains: • How to establish emotional connection with a newborn or young child--regardless of whether you're able to pause your career to stay home • How to ease transitions and minimize stress for your baby or toddler • How to select and train quality childcare if necessary • What's true and false about widely held beliefs like "Babies are resilient" and “I’ll make up for it when he’s older” • How to recognize and combat feelings of post-partum depression or boredom • Why three months of maternity leave is not long enough--and how women and their partners can take control of their choices to provide for their family's emotional needs in the first three years Being a new mom isn’t easy. But with support, emotional awareness, and coping skills, it can be the most magical—and essential—work we’ll ever do.