"The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting" Author Dr. Kenneth Barish

June 18, 2026 - 09:49

A veteran child psychologist with more than four decades of clinical experience is set to release a new guide for families grappling with the ongoing youth mental health crisis. Dr. Kenneth Barish's upcoming book, "The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting," arrives on June 29, 2026, offering a blend of neuroscience research and actionable advice for raising resilient children.

Barish, who has worked with thousands of children and families over his career, argues that modern parenting has become disconnected from both emotional intuition and scientific understanding. The book aims to close that gap. It draws on recent findings in brain development and emotional regulation, translating complex studies into clear strategies that parents and grandparents can use at home.

Rather than prescribing rigid rules, Barish emphasizes flexibility and attunement. He addresses common pitfalls like over-scheduling, screen time battles, and the pressure to achieve, while also tackling deeper issues such as anxiety, defiance, and social withdrawal. A significant portion of the book is devoted to the unique role grandparents can play in providing stability and emotional support during turbulent years.

The author does not shy away from the severity of the current crisis. Rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide among young people have risen sharply in the past decade. Barish frames his approach as a corrective to both permissive and authoritarian styles, advocating instead for a middle path rooted in empathy, clear boundaries, and consistent connection.

Early reviews highlight the book's accessible tone and lack of jargon. Barish writes from the belief that effective parenting is neither a science nor an art alone, but a careful dance between the two. The book is expected to resonate with caregivers who feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice and are searching for a grounded, evidence-based path forward.