Children and Nonviolence

Authoritarian parents are so commonplace in our society that teenage rebellion is considered inevitable. We need a change of attitude, say Bob and Janet Aldridge who have raised ten children.Cooperative decision-making in the family is the place to start. Raising nonviolent children means, first and foremost, creating an atmosphere of harmony in the home. The family is the best place for everyone to feel nurtured and safe in a society that is increasingly violent. This is a helpful guide for those who want to raise children peacefully and earn youngsters' respect by modeling a nonviolent approach towards decision-making. ob and Janet Aldridge, world renowned peace activists, have brought harmony to the kitchen table as well as the world community. As a former design engineer for the Polaris missile system, Bob received international acclaim for his book, "First Strike," which contradicted the myth that the American weapon industry concentrates on defense rather than offense. As a Christian, he felt he coulld no longer participate in making such weapons. Currently they live in Santa Clara, CA, traveling frequently to speak on fostering peace at home and in the neighborhood. The Library Journal said, "The authors, parents of ten, bring a unique perspective to raising children in an atmosphere of peace. Bob worked for many years in the armaments industry. Now, both travel worldwide in support of the anti-nuclear movement. This book chronicles their gradual realization that they were morally opposed to the arms race; and it describes the challenges they faced in giving up a lucrative income from that industry. As a guide for parents seeking ways to teach a nonviolent approach to life, the book has much to offer. The authors make an eloquent case for a simpler lifestyle, one less demanding of natural and human resources. Recommended for public libraries."