Father-son duo co-authors two books on family development, mental health and relationships

A unique father-son partnership is bringing fresh insights to family development, mental health and relationships. Auburn University College of Education Professor Paris S. Strom and his father, Professor Emeritus Robert D. Strom of Arizona State University, have co-authored two new books that serve as practical guides for families, educators and practitioners.

Released by global publisher Routledge in 2024 and 2025, these works reflect decades of scholarship and the distinctive perspective of a family collaboration, and they are the 10th and 11th books the pair have written together as co-authors.

The most recent book, Parents and Grandparents as Teachers: Supporting Child Development from Infancy through Age 8, is designed for independent reading and community-based courses. The book emphasizes how parents and grandparents can work together to support young children’s emotional, social and cognitive development. Each chapter includes key concepts, reflection questions and Generational Perspectives Activities to encourage family conversations and self-evaluation.

“This book is a culmination of our work in developing the nation’s first curriculum for grandparents,” Paris Strom said. “We wanted to provide families with actionable strategies to support child development and strengthen intergenerational bonds.” 

Having developed the nation’s first curriculum for grandparents and field-tested an intervention program with support from the American Association of Retired Persons, the authors explore such topics as trust in infancy, child language, media influence and resilience, among others. The book is intended not only for families but also for students in family studies, developmental psychology and early childhood education. 

Their earlier publication, Mental Health and Relationships from Early Adulthood through Old Age, guides readers through the stages of adulthood, addressing stress, caregiving, intergenerational relationships and personal growth. Aimed at college students and professionals, the book blends academic research with personal narratives and student interviews to illuminate mental health and relationship dynamics across generations.

“By encouraging reflection on longevity and generational perspectives, we hope to help readers make informed decisions and foster healthier relationships throughout life,” Robert Strom said.

The book is intended for college students and professionals, supporting courses in family studies, educational psychology, human development, counseling, social work, gerontology, nursing and business. Stages of adulthood, including early adulthood, middle adulthood, retirement age and old age, are described, showing how people can pursue individual growth and nurture the mental health of relatives throughout life.

The main themes of younger and middle-aged adults include stress, parenting, peer socialization, family conflict, career readiness, domestic abuse, intergenerational relationships and mental health. Additionally, the educational needs of older adults focus on mental health, family caregiving, grandparenting, physical and social health, problems of younger generations, retirement, loneliness and social isolation, elder abuse, death, grief and recovery.

All chapters conclude with a section about Generational Perspectives Activities, assignments with an agenda for class and family discussions, problem-solving scenarios, key concepts and criteria for self-evaluation. 

Paris Strom is a professor of Educational Psychology at Auburn’s College of Education, teaching child, adolescent and adult development courses to undergraduate and graduate students. He has authored more than 100 scholarly works. Robert Strom’s teaching, writing and research focus on lifespan development and mental health to support families. He has published more than 400 articles and books.

Go online to order “Parents and Grandparents as Teachers: Supporting Child Development from Infancy through Age 8“. Those interested can also purchase “Mental Health and Relationships from Early Adulthood through Old Age”  online through Routledge. Each book is available via softback, hardback and e-book format.