This is a must listen for anyone with a child who is different from them - who is gay or autistic or disabled or criminal...
In this interview, Andrew Solomon discusses his award-winning book, Far From the Tree, based on the research that he did with families of children who are different from their parents: children born deaf, or autistic, or transgender; and parents of child prodigies, and of criminals.
He looks at the difference between 'vertical identities' and 'horizontal identities' and how these affect our ability to accept our children.
Vertical identities are the bits we get from our parents: our religion, race and nationality.
Horizontal identities are the characteristics that are ours alone and are often the hardest parts for parents to accept.
Ultimately he looks at the love that transcends these parenting difficulties and the gifts that these children bring to our lives if we choose to accept them as they are.
Absolutely inspiring and deeply moving.
In this interview, Andrew Solomon discusses his award-winning book, Far From the Tree, based on the research that he did with families of children who are different from their parents: children born deaf, or autistic, or transgender; and parents of child prodigies, and of criminals.
He looks at the difference between 'vertical identities' and 'horizontal identities' and how these affect our ability to accept our children.
Vertical identities are the bits we get from our parents: our religion, race and nationality.
Horizontal identities are the characteristics that are ours alone and are often the hardest parts for parents to accept.
Ultimately he looks at the love that transcends these parenting difficulties and the gifts that these children bring to our lives if we choose to accept them as they are.
Absolutely inspiring and deeply moving.