Hold On To Your Kids

Hold On To Your Kids

Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers
By Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté

A compassionate and eye-opening guide to reconnecting with our children.

In Hold On to Your Kids, child development expert Gordon Neufeld and physician Gabor Maté explore a quiet but profound shift in modern society—children increasingly looking to their peers, rather than their parents, for guidance, identity, and belonging.

They call this “peer orientation”—and suggest it’s at the root of many challenges families face today.

At its heart, this book asks a powerful question:
What happens when children lose their primary attachment to the adults who are meant to guide them?

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Why strong parent-child attachment is essential for healthy development
• How peer orientation can lead to disconnection, insecurity, and behavioural issues
• The impact of modern culture, including social media and digital devices
• Practical ways to rebuild connection and trust with your children

You’ll learn how to:

• Create a sense of safety, warmth, and belonging at home
• Re-establish your role as a secure base for your child
• Support emotional development and resilience
• Gently “reattach” and strengthen your relationship over time

Rather than offering rigid rules or discipline strategies, this book returns to something deeper—relationship.

It reminds us that what children need most is not control, but connection.

Why this book stands out:

• Grounded in developmental science and real-world experience
• Compassionate, non-judgmental approach to parenting
• Addresses modern challenges like screens and social pressure
• Offers practical, relationship-focused solutions

Product Details

• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 629
• Dimensions: 13.2 x 20.1 x 0.23 cm