We channeled the need to listen and discuss about the most difficult "profession", the profession of being a husband and parent, in a series of open lectures - a form of parenting school - in Syros, in the two years 1998-1999. All the presenters agreed on one point: life moves forward and the family bears fruit when the couple nurtures and nurtures their relationship. Children, when they taste the fruits of this effort of their parents, grow up beautifully and harmoniously despite the difficulties that present themselves from time to time. We thought it good to share these hearings and experiences with you. Not to provide ready-made solutions - such a thing, moreover, is unfeasible and unpractical. We simply hope that you too find reasons for a loving look at life, your marital relationship, the course with your children. Only then will the purpose of this publication be achieved.

CONTENTS

EDITOR'S NOTE

PROLOGUE

PARENTS AS NEGLECTED SPOUSES

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS:

DISCOVERING OUR HOPES AND FEARS IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CHILDREN

ADOLESCENCE, AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLETE THE FACE

OCCUPATION: PARENT

ADOLESCENCE, A MISPUNDED AGE

THE PARENT'S CONTINUOUS STRUGGLE WITH HIMSELF

GOALS AND OBSTACLES FOR A MORE FUNCTIONAL MARRIAGE

THE DYNAMICS OF RELATIONSHIPS IN THE FAMILY

THE NEW MAN SEARCHES FOR HIS FACE

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF SCHOOL FAILURE AND THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY

PASTORAL APPROACH OF THE RESTORED NEW

A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE PRESENTERS