In this book, the authors address the complex and dynamic phenomenon of parenting across nine chapters, centering on the psychological needs of both child and parent. The theoretical framework explaining the concept of parental needs consists of William Glasser’s choice theory and the self-determination theory by Ryan and Deci. The focus is on attempting to “shed light” on the importance of successfully satisfying individual needs within the parent-child relationship, specifically inside the complex construct of parenting and competent parenting. The baseline assumptions of this book are: It is impossible to consider parenting solely from the perspective of adults (parent/guardian) because the child is also part of this phenomenon; Since this concerns individuals (in a specific relationship), it is necessary to equally respect all their characteristics, with needs—or more precisely, the ways they successfully satisfy their needs—being one of their fundamental traits; Needs (and their successful satisfaction) are not only “woven” into the actions and inactions of both parent and child, but also serve as the starting point of motivation for parenting; The outcome of parenting actions (a well-behaved, educated, autonomous, confident,, and healthily developed child), as well as the self-perception of the individual (parent, child) throughout the entire parenting process, depends on the quality, methods, and success of satisfying individual needs within that relationship. The appeal of this book lies in the fact that all chapters provide examples of the theoretical discussions presented within them. This allows the reader to understand the content more easily while simultaneously serving as an encouragement for self-evaluation regarding the satisfaction of their own psychological needs, the needs of their child, and their own parenting.
