How Parental Behavior Influences Children

Amy Chaus popular Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother joins a long list of books that have brought parental behavior into question. Chaus boot-camp approach included disciplining her 3-year-old by sending her out into the cold and ranting about the quality of her young daughters homemade birthday cards. If history is any guide, such incidents could be fodder for a future tell-all. As these five books show, children can have long memories.

Mommy Dearest, by Christina Crawford. Actress Joan Crawfords legacy has been indelibly altered by this rendering of her as a monstrous parent bent on preserving a picture of familial bliss for her fans. In an over-the-top portrayal of Crawford in the books film version, Faye Dunaway memorably shrieks the line that lives in camp infamy: No more wire hangers!

Going My Own Way, by Gary Crosby. Crooner Bing Crosbys wholesome image took a shellacking when his sons book described a heartless father who was not averse to beating his sons. Reaction to the book among Garys three brothers ranged from indifference to strong support from Lindsay Crosby, who commented, I hope it clears up a lot of lies and rumors. So much for the velvety voiced singer and actor Life magazine once declared Hollywoods top family man.
My Mothers Keeper, by B.D. Hyman. In Bette Daviss eyes, her daughters book was an unforgiveable betrayal. Hyman painted Davis as self-absorbed and an abusive, alcoholic mother. Davis struck back in her own memoir, This N That, calling her daughter ungrateful for the very privileged life I feel you have been given.