Emptying the Nest

DR. BRAD SACHS is a Psychologist and Author of the nationally recognized parenting books, The Good Enough Child and The Good Enough Teen. His creative and innovative approach to psychotherapeutic treatment has been showcased on over three hundred radio and television shows, including 20/20 and The Diane Rehm Show. He regularly contributes to Redbook, Parenting, Parents, Child, and American Baby, and lectures and leads workshops nationally and internationally. He is on the faculty of the Cape Cod Institute and lives with his wife in Columbia, MD, where they have raised their three young adult children.

• Introduction: Pulling Anchor, Setting Sail No Place Like Home, No Place to Go: The Modern Landscape of Young Adulthood The Rites and Wrongs of Passage: Developmental Tasks for the Young Adult Failure to Launch: Family Dynamics and the Emerging Adult Start Your Engines: Fostering Autonomy and Motivation The Rites and Wrongs of Passage: Developmental Tasks for Parents Getting Beyond 'Whatever': Growth-Promoting Communication During the Young Adult Years Preparation for Separation: Putting it all into Action Enduring Intimacy: Your Marriage at the Launching Phase Letting Go, Moving On: The Midlife Launch Conclusion: Dancing to the Music of Time: Thoughts and Reflections

'In Emptying the Nest, Dr. Brad Sachs once again insightfully maps out the challenging terrain of contemporary parenthood. Skillfully and gently, he leads readers through the complex choreography required not only to help young adults achieve the well-documented need for healthy separation and self-sufficiency, but also to help them cultivate what is often overlooked - that a life well-lived must have significance and meaning. Practical and compassionate, innovative and empathic, this book provides parents with the necessary tools to finish the job right. Emptying the Nest will help empower family members of two generations to evolve into the next stage of development, growing towards a new and deeper maturity.' - Madeline Levine, Ph.D, author of The Price of Privilege 'Finally, there's a timely book that thoughtfully addresses the dilemmas plaguing parents and their 'not ready for prime time' young adults who won't or can't leave home. In Emptying the Nest, family psychologist Dr. Brad Sachs zeroes in on the parent/grown child issues which interfere with a healthy and self-assured departure. With piercing insight, compassion, and a measure of firmness, Dr. Sachs helps us to chart the course for the modern young adult's march towards independence and maturity. Beautifully written, informative, and filled with vivid real-life vignettes, it's a must read for all parents concerned about their child's lingering, and their own difficulty letting go.' - Neil Bernstein, Ph.D., parenting expert and author of There When He Needs You 'For almost three decades, family psychologist Dr. Brad Sachs has written about parents and children with wit, warmth, and wisdom. In his newest and much-needed volume, Emptying the Nest, he offers us unique insight and realistic counsel when it comes to addressing the dilemmas and conflicts that arise when young adults have returned to their parents' home, or are having difficulty leaving. With an unwavering focus on the reciprocal needs of parent and young adult, Dr. Sachs reassuringly guides readers through the last stage of hands-on parenthood with a generous helping of care, candor, and sensitivity.' - Jerrold Lee Shapiro, Ph.D., Professor at Santa Clara University, USA and author of The Measure of a Man Review of The Good Enough Child 'With wisdom, warmth, and wit, Brad Sachs puts the fun back into parenting.' - Armin A. Brott, author of The Expectant Father and The New Father 'As soon as I looked at the title I thought, 'YES!' I know it will help a lot of parents...' - Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D., author of Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children about Sex and Character 'A thoughtful, intelligently written, yet readable book with much wisdom and insight to offer on parenting, family life, and marriage...an extremely valuable perspective.' - Ross W. Greene, Ph.D., author of The Explosive Child 'A truly remarkable book...provides a wealth of information about parenting skills, but does so within a framework that helps parents to learn to accept their own strengths and vulnerabilities as well as those of their children.' - Dr. Robert Brooks, co-author of Raising Resilient Children