Comments on: Here’s My Favorite Book- What’s Yours?

By: Gail

Gail — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:13:58 +0000

All of these sound great. Really loved How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk. We have an interesting and very good gentleman by the name of Gordon Neufeld (PH.D.) from B.C. along with Gabor Mate, M.D. who really gets to the point of these books and this introduction to attachment theory and parenting philosophy has the best of all worlds…Hold On To Your Kids…this allows the child to grow up. It takes longer in our society today but ultimately nothing grows unless it is in a state of rest, fully cared for, provided for, loved unconditionally, and known for who each one is. When we resort to behavior modifications rather than parenting when the child is ready to receive it, the child gets the wrong message sometimes. Our children are not animals that require immediacy of disciple but they require loving limits with us leading the way, and circumstances are controllable not necessarily children. He has a DVD course which is more comprehensive maybe you can find it at GordonNeufeld.com. I am borrowing a friend’s.

By: Louise

Louise — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:35:28 +0000

It makes me sad to see some of the books recommended here, which undermine genuine love and affection between parents and kids (such as 1-2-3 Magic and Back in Control). We will not change society for the better if we teach our kids that power over others is the only way to get what you want. Just because we’re the parents, doesn’t mean this is right. If you want a book or two that will challenge the common view that the parental relationship’s main goal is to manage and control children and compel desired behaviours, then these ones will definitely provoke you to think about everything you do as parent.

Highly Recommended
Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn
Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson

By: Cathie Beck

Cathie Beck — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:27:25 +0000

The parenting book that I rely on is “Back In control” by Gary Bodenhamer. He is a former juvenile probation officer and developed this theory of parenting out of his work. The examples are intense but the basic parenting plan is very effective. No more nagging or arguments.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:07:20 +0000

Kids are Worth It–Barbara Coloroso; Kids, Parents and Power Struggles also by Barbara Coloroso

Great perspective on being a parent with a balance between the nurturing and the disciplining roles. Excellent partnered with the Faber and Mazelish books: How to Talk so Kids will Listen, How to listen so kids will talk., How to Talk so Kids will Learn…

By: welsa

welsa — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:00:38 +0000

I love to read also, more than TV any day! Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey is probably the most influential book I have ever read. (sounds a LOT like Susan’s book!) I also like Deepak Chopra’s books, such as Perfect Health, and the Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents. Another good one is The Joyful Child by Peggy Jenkins. For the relationship/marriage I liked How to Love your Marriage, it applies the idea of choosing your life subconsciously specifically to choosing the experiences in your marriage.

I am wanting to read “Raising an Optimistic Child” soon, anybody read that one yet? There is also a book called “7 habits of highly effective kids” that is meant to be read to your children. Sounds really good. I know it addresses the whole thing of kids being responsible for their own boredom. (An issue that needs addressing in my household!)

Other than these I was really influenced by books on quantum physics.

By: Ellen C. Braun

Ellen C. Braun — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:22:36 +0000

Thanks for sharing! I thought of a few more that I'd written about a while back... Parenting With Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility by: Foster Cline, MD & Jim Fay From the back cover: “Parents consistently tell us they wish they had known about love and logic earlier. This common sense approach gives parents a tangible hope that they can still influence their kids.” Buy the book on Amazon or ebay and increase your parenting confidence! Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age by Daniel J. Kindlon From the back cover: “Kindlon’s book serves as the latest thoughtful reminder that sometimes the best way a parent can say ‘I love you’ is by gently but firmly invoking that powerful little two-letter word: ‘No.’” Learn to say ‘no’ to your child confidently by buying this book on Amazon or ebay! Dibs In Search Of Self by: Virginia M. Axline From the cover: “The renowned, deeply moving story of an emotionally lost child who found his way back.” The Child Therapy Classic Get this eye-opening story on Amazon or ebay. Thinking About You Thinking About Me by: Michelle Garcia Winner From the cover: Philosophy and strategies to further develop perspective taking and communicative abilities for persons with Social Cognitive Deficits: Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), High-Functioning Autism, ADHD, Hyperlexia, Non-Verbal Learning Disability (NVLD) From the back cover: “This book is a must read! From Michelle’s detailed explanations and case examples, to the oh-so-practical ideas, strategies and worksheets and ready-to-use IEP goals, her book covers it all. I can’t recommend it enough!” This book is self-published by the author, so I did not find it on ebay, however it is available on Amazon. My close friend in New York who is the principal of a special-ed school recommended it to me as the only book of its kind, and well-worth its $39 price.

By: Susan L

Susan L — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:47:26 +0000

My favorite “parenting” book is Redirecting Children’s Behavior by Kathryn Kvols. This book breaks down behavioral problems into 4 categories called “The Goals of Misbehavior” which are power, attention, inadequacy and revenge. The redirected parental response changes depending on the goal.

I have a “shy” 9 y/o girl with stage fright…she is very social just almost phobic about doing anything public. I plan to read “The Sensitive Child” which I learned about on this web site (what got me registered). Any other suggestions?

By: Lisa W

Lisa W — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:32:55 +0000

I just “Keeping Our Children’s Hearts” and “Have a New Kids by Friday”… Enjoyed both… =)

By: Nili

Nili — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:00:51 +0000

To kindle a soul is great. right now my favorite is Playful Parenting by Lawrence Cohen.

By: Neil Harris

Neil Harris — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:26:53 +0000

“To Kindle a Soul: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents and Teachers” by Lawrence Kelemen

It is a long read, but it contains great advice for bringing out the best in your kids.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:09:10 +0000

Reviving Ophelia by Mary Phiper is an outstanding book for anyone with girls.

As to how I best get information- I do love books, but I’m a slow reader, so i find that a video about a subject I want to learn about is the most relaxing way for me to learn new things. I buy a lot of self-improvement seminars on DVD and watch them in the evening. They’re much more uplifting than whatever is on TV!

By: Sammy

Sammy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:05:55 +0000

I love 123-Magic for my kids. Thank you for these- I’m going to order some for me and some as gifts!

By: Carrie

Carrie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:04:46 +0000

Thank you, Ellen. I’m a big-time reader and I also like listening to audio books while I clean up the house. One recent great parenting book was The Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel.