01
Listening
"I Get You" listening.Slow down time to hear the heart behind your child's message, and turn conflict into connection.
The new book from psychotherapists M. Gary Neuman, Esther S. Neuman & Michael Neuman
Parenting isn't complicated. We've just forgotten the fundamentals.
The only three techniques every child needs to thrive, from the psychotherapist Oprah called "one of the best in the world," and his two therapist children.
Trusted by Oprah Winfrey, Fred Rogers, Anderson Cooper, Steve Harvey, the Today Show & many more.
60+years of
combined
clinical
experience
combined
clinical
experience
M. Gary Neuman as seen on
The Oprah Winfrey ShowTodayThe ViewGood Morning AmericaSteve HarveyAnderson CooperDatelineKatie CouricNPR
The Oprah Winfrey ShowTodayThe ViewGood Morning AmericaSteve HarveyAnderson CooperDatelineKatie CouricNPR
Meet the author
The expert Oprah trusted with America's families.
For over 30 years, M. Gary Neuman has been America's #1 trusted voice on parenting and marriage. He has appeared 12 times on The Oprah Winfrey Show and more than 50 times on Today. His seven books, including the New York Times bestseller The Truth About Cheating, have over one million copies in print. He is the creator of the Sandcastles program, helping over 300,000 children from divorced homes.
"Gary is one of the best psychotherapists in the world… I've been doing this a long time. He is the best."
Oprah WinfreyThe Oprah Winfrey Show
"Gary Neuman has a wonderful way of nourishing parents while reminding us that there are no simple ways to help children through complicated family times. Whether we're parents, grandparents, or friends, all of us can be grateful for Gary's encouragement to be natural as we talk to—and listen to—our children. We can also be thankful for his support as we reach out for extra help when we feel we need it."
Fred RogersCreator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
"When I was a kid, I used to have this fantasy that I had a board of advisors who used to give me life advice. Gary would be on my board."
Anderson CooperJournalist & host
"Gary, I really liked what you said. That's great solid advice… I like the way you operate."
Steve HarveyHost
The bookshelf
Over one million copies in print.
Gary's books have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show. RetroParent is his newest.
The three pillars
The only three techniques you need.
02
Discipline
"You Make It Happen."Replace power struggles with clear cause and effect. Kids become masters of their own outcomes.
03
Respect
Humility and honor.Teach children to value the wisdom of their elders and the dignity of themselves.
Raising great kids in an AI world
Your child can ask a machine anything. Be the one they come to.
How to be your child's AI.
The authors
A father, a daughter and a son.
Three therapists. One family. 60+ years of combined clinical experience.
Father
M. Gary Neuman, LMHC
Psychotherapist and NYT bestselling author. Oprah 12 times, Today 50+.
mgaryneuman.com →
Daughter
Esther S. Neuman, LCSW
Marriage and family therapist on Miami Beach. Featured in Parents and HuffPost.
estherhalperin.com →
Son
Michael Neuman, LCSW
Child, teen and performance therapist. American Ninja Warrior semi-finalist.
neumanpsychotherapy.com →
Available now in paperback
Raise great kids. The retro way.
- Get kids to listen the first time, without screaming or threatening.
- "You Make It Happen" tools for homework, tantrums and power struggles.
- A formula for lasting respect and connection.
Paperback · 176 pagesPedmy Press · Oct 13, 2026ISBN 979-8234172457
RetroParent at Home
Book the RetroParent team for your home.
Want a RetroParent therapist to work with your family in person? The authors are available for private sessions in your home, putting Listening, Discipline and Respect into practice with your children.
TV, podcasts & press
Interviews, segments, review copies and appearances.
info@retroparent.com Request an interview
Questions
About RetroParent.
What is RetroParent?
RetroParent: Returning to the Only Three Techniques You Need to Raise Great Kids in an AI World is a parenting book by New York Times bestselling author M. Gary Neuman, LMHC, written with his daughter Esther S. Neuman, LCSW and son Michael Neuman, LCSW.
Who is M. Gary Neuman?
A psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author who has appeared twelve times on The Oprah Winfrey Show and more than fifty times on Today. Oprah called him "one of the best psychotherapists in the world." He created the Sandcastles Program, completed by more than 300,000 children of divorce.
What are the three techniques?
Listening, Discipline and Respect: "I Get You" listening, "You Make It Happen" discipline, and the retro values of humility and honor.
How does it help in an AI world?
It returns to timeless fundamentals so you become the one your child turns to. In the book's words: how to be your child's AI.
Where can I buy it?
In paperback on Amazon. Pedmy Press, October 13, 2026. 176 pages. ISBN 979-8234172457.