Childhood Lost: How American Culture Is Failing Our Kids.

CHILDHOOD LOST: How American Culture Is Failing Our Kids. Sharna Olfman (Ed.). Westport, CT: Praeger, 2005. 240 pp. Hardcover, $39.95. This is an edited book about the bleak future of children in the United States. This scathing collection, edited by psychologist Sharna Olfman and featuring essays from leaders in the education, psychology, and public policy fields, is devoted to helping concerned parents, teachers, and policymakers improve the state of children's health, parenting, the environment, and educational institutions. It appears that we are failing our children, and most of us are unaware that it is even happening. We do not see how American culture has had devastating effects on education, health care, family time, and the environment.

This collection of leaders in various fields discuss how children are becoming lost due to the techno-environment, video games, long hours spent in front of the television, and the unavailability of working parents. This book also examines children's ailments, such as diabetes and obesity, that are related to a consumer-driven society that leaves little time for exercise or nutritious meals.

In Berk's essay "Why Parenting Matters," she explains how children--from wealthy and poor families alike--are being damaged by inadequate child care, short maternity leaves, inferior education, and parents spending long hours at work. In sum, "American parents are living ever fuller, busier lives, in which they often accentuate personal fulfillment, professional achievement, and economic success over time spent with children" (p. 28).

This book should be required reading for all parents, educators, and policymakers who care about our children's welfare and the future of our society. This collection of essays helps us understand how, too often, adult values are not in the best interests of children, and how we must unite to reverse this crisis. Olfman shows that we must find common ground as a community to guarantee what is best for our children. Reviewed by Michele Parcell Mar, doctoral student, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL