More Press and Praise for The Mother-Daughter Project

The Mother-Daughter Project book cover
"A thoroughly realistic roadmap for sustaining mother-daughter relationships in a culture that seems determined to undermine them…Hamkins and Schultz demonstrate how collective energy and commitment can help mothers and daughters thrive.
"A lively and engaging book that offers hope and inspiration as well as practical advice for maintaining and enhancing the mother-daughter connection."
"Wise to the ways of girls and the stresses on moms, Hamkins and Schultz bring to life a mother-daughter revolution-a revolution of love and connection during the most difficult transition in a girl's life."
"Just wait 'til she grows up and hates you." Hamkins and Schultz, psychotherapists and mothers, dreaded the day when they might hear those words from their own daughters. In an effort to avoid that scene, keep their relationships close and loving, and create ongoing communication between mothers and daughters, they started a group of mothers and daughters in 1997. They conversed, supported one another, played a bit, and talked out problems. Eventually, this led to the creation of the Mother-Daughter Project in 2002 - a model for sustaining loving mother/daughter relationships throughout the stormy years of adolescence and into adulthood. This book describes how the project got started, what it attempted to do, how it succeeded (and where it could be improved), and what to expect from daughters each year from ages seven to 17. The authors' approach is realistic, taking "supermom" off her pedestal, addressing big questions (sex, drugs) early, and offering moms support. The initial assumption is that mothers and daughters can have close, loving relationships at any age, a premise well supported by the project. An excellent approach for all public libraries.
"This book is a wonderful story of transforming the relationship between mothers and their adolescent daughters from one of distance to one of connection. Extremely well written with rich examples, it is a realistic approach to the stresses of life cycle development - a beacon for all mothers and daughters and those who love them."
"An enthralling chronicle of a pioneering community of mothers and their daughters. Here, the generation gap closes, as mothers and daughters join in solidarity, mothers empowering their daughters while having their own sense of empowerment re-charged. As one concerned about the pandemic of eating disorders, I particularly recommend Chapter 10: Learning to Love Our Bodies. Invigorating and engaging...rich in invention."