Raising a child stirs up powerful feelings - many of them intense, many of them uncomfortable, and all of them deeply human. Written for parents at every stage, from early days to empty nesting, The Emotional Lives of Parents unpacks the feelings parents rarely talk about openly - such as anger, envy and shame - with the same nuance and compassion that has made Dr Damour a trusted resource for families around the world.





Drawing on decades of clinical practice and psychological research, this book explores why parenting evokes such strong emotions, how these reactions can either support or undermine our caregiving, and why it's so vital that we care for ourselves as an integral part of caring for our children.





Parents who read this book will learn:

the science behind the powerful emotions that are part of parenting - from stress and anger to sadness and guilt



how these psychological reactions affect our ability to provide what our children need most: warmth and structure



strategies for staying steady and grounded in the emotional turbulence that comes with raising kids



how to navigate feelings that are overwhelming, painful, surprising, or unwanted

Written with clarity, warmth and clinical wisdom, The Emotional Lives of Parents helps us understand and manage our feelings as caregivers, even the ones that are taboo, offering not judgement but reassurance - and a path toward greater calm, confidence and connection.



Lisa Damour, PhD, is a leading voice in mental health, widely recognized for her ability to translate complex research into relatable, practical guidance. A three-time New York Times bestselling author of Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, she is known for bringing clarity and compassion to the emotional lives of families. Dr Damour hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and served as a consultant to Pixar for the film Inside Out 2. Her commitment to clinical practice, academic research, and global collaborations ensures that her work is grounded in a deep, evolving understanding of family mental health.