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3rd out of 40 books
—
20 voters
Taking Back Childhood: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Fast-Paced, Media-Saturated, Violence-Filled World
An innovative road map to help parents bring creative play, quality relationships, and a sense of confidence and personal safety back into their kids� lives
One only need turn on the TV, stroll the aisles of any toy store, or visit any American elementary school to witness the formidable social trends that, over the past few decades, have begun to erode the quality of kid...more
One only need turn on the TV, stroll the aisles of any toy store, or visit any American elementary school to witness the formidable social trends that, over the past few decades, have begun to erode the quality of kid...more
Hardcover, 304 pages
Published
March 27th 2008
by Hudson Street Press
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Okay, so I actually only got through about half of this book before Barnes and Noble closed (and I'm too cheap to buy it...I still need to check the library.) But I absolutely LOVED IT! Totally fascinating, and SO needed in our society! Though I don't 100 percent agree with this author's opinions all the time, her research is solid and her writing is based on child development (she only throws in her opinions occasionally.) This book has made me think more deeply about children's developmental n...more
I was mainly interested in chapter 4: No More Time-Outs. It was pretty good when discussing sharing power with yoru kids instead of using your power over them or giving your power away to them. I skimmed the rest of the book fairly quickly and could give or take it. It could be that I was just feeling a bit surly when reading it and so didn't feel very amenable to sharing my power with my 11yo son. lol
Highlights:
power is a continuum, not a black or white thing
there are ways to work with children...more
Highlights:
power is a continuum, not a black or white thing
there are ways to work with children...more
Not my typical fare, but my wife suggested it after reading it herself. We are expecting our first child in the middle of October and I can see that I will have to re-read bits and pieces of this as needed. The author does a wonderful job reminding parents at what age children can and can't process certain types of information, choices, or decisions. In turn this allows parents to customize their reactions to the age of their child and help mediate issues and problems to a quick and satisfactory...more
This book would have been four stars for me if the author's "voice" had been a little different.
It is full of concrete examples, anecdotes, and suggestions of the things that this book is about. I love this aspect of it, because some of the conceptual stuff in here (like interacting in a developmentally age-appropriate way with children) was a bit hard for me to visualise enacting in real life until I read the dialogues etc.
I also loved learning about developmental theories, which is much more u...more
It is full of concrete examples, anecdotes, and suggestions of the things that this book is about. I love this aspect of it, because some of the conceptual stuff in here (like interacting in a developmentally age-appropriate way with children) was a bit hard for me to visualise enacting in real life until I read the dialogues etc.
I also loved learning about developmental theories, which is much more u...more
There was some new information here that was interesting to me, particularly in the beginning of the book. For example, I did not know that there are regulations in many countries in the world about how/if companies can market to children, or that the US used to have similar regulations until the early 80s. She also makes some interesting points about the sheer volume of marketing directed at young children that is totally inappropriate - like Halloween costumes for four-year-olds that portray c...more
I was not impressed. She has plenty of valid points about child development, mainly using Piaget's ideas. I could have just read Piaget. As for the twist of this book setting itself in a media saturated world -- she did a lovely lit review of the negative studies about media. She left out all of the good ones. I'm not saying you should plant your kid in front of the television 24/7, but I think she could have at least acknowledged some of the benefits of tv and media when used appropriately / wh...more
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I don't think I've read a book that's made as much sense as this one. It helped me better understand all the seemingly unwarranted aggression I've seen both as a parent and as a teacher. It also does a good job of pointing out that there are things we can do to combat the increasingly violent world we live in. I believe this is a must-read if you are parent or a teacher, or if you are just interested in learning more about how our society has been unduly influenced by the media that surrounds us...more
The title is a bit of a misnomer...it IS about trying to lessen the influence of the media, but more importantly, she talks a lot of how to raise a great kid and the developmental approaches that work (with lots of examples). A big part of that approach is limiting media influences, but it also talks about how to deal with the world as it is. I highly recommend this book. Even Joey is reading it.
This was excellent. It addressed many facets of the world today, how things can be harmful to children, and what families and parents can do to combat negative influences. The studies cited were fascinating and I found it to be motivational not only for my own family, but also as a jumping-off point for making a difference in the community.
I thought this book was GREAT. It spends a lot of time on mediation techniques for kids, both for adults to use with kids and for kids to use among themselves. There was also an interesting discussion on how to alleviate some of the damage done by the inevitable exposure to media violence.
Definitely worth a read for any parent.
Definitely worth a read for any parent.
An essential piece in our parenting library. This book compliments Unconditional Parenting well, but where Kohn's book is probably 90% theory and 10% example, this book is the reverse. I've relied on many examples already.
I have a friend who has a three year old, and he sometimes wonders why his son acts so aggressively when he himself is such a passive, calm person. I once worked with a woman who's 5 year old daughter was obsessed with fashion and brands, and she couldn't figure out why. Becau...more
I have a friend who has a three year old, and he sometimes wonders why his son acts so aggressively when he himself is such a passive, calm person. I once worked with a woman who's 5 year old daughter was obsessed with fashion and brands, and she couldn't figure out why. Becau...more
GREAT child development information and a MUST read for anyone working with young children or parents of young children. Would provide LOTS to talk about in a book discussion and goes right along with "So Sexy So Soon". It gave me different ways to think about how kid's brains work and was just a fascinating read!
I really fall in line with a lot of the thinking in this book, and I'm always trying to make sure media doesn't take too much control of my family's life. It's very difficult since media takes such a huge place in the world today, but this book did offer some really good insight.
A good read that pays attention to aspects of our culture that other's ignore or dismiss.
This was an interesting perspective on what to consider in allowing your kids to watch and play with-- Some suggestions about encouraging imaginative play and what is considered "healthy" fighting type play are discussed.
It had a fair number of good ideas, but it's way, way, way on the liberal side of parenting.
I wish I could give this 3 1/2 stars. I liked it a lot and I really agreed with many of her points (using open-ended toys to encourage creative play, protecting kids from advertising and limiting screen time) and I learned some new things (like how kids use creative play to work through things that are going on in their lives) but it was one of those books I had to kind of force myself to read, it seemed long and kind of repetitive in parts.
I really enjoyed this book. Although sometimes a bit redundant I felt like the book gave great advice and examples on how to help our children in various situations. I would encourage all parents and people who work with children to read this book.
I found this book to be very helpful in resolving conflicts between my children. The author also had some great suggestions for positive discipline. I also appreciated her suggestions in dealing with television and fostering creative play.
I really liked this book, but with all books of this kind, she makes a few too many generalizations.
I really liked this book, but with all books of this kind, she makes a few too many generalizations.
Sep 25, 2008
Marissa
marked it as to-read
I got it from the library just as school started. Sadly, I am behind on most things right now and had to return it before I could read more than the first chapter. So I am back on the hold list....but let me say, the first chapter seems fairly compelling and I am anxious to get the book back in my hot little hands.
I was worried about being the only parent not allowing my child to watch tv and this book has been great about emphasizing the importance of childhood play. I have been using it's content & constantly go back to this book so I keep it on the current reading list.
A thought-provoking book that continues many ideas that empower parents to better protect and empower their children in a world that would destroy their self-esteem and their virtue.
Apr 06, 2008
Joyce Pavao
marked it as to-read
I heard Nancy speak about this book and immediately bought copies for myself and all of my staff. This is a must read for those who parent or work with children.
Love this book. Great take on what our kids currently face in our society. And each chapter contains advice on what we as parents can do to help our kids.
This will go on my shelf with "Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline". Both excellent parenting books (at least for my parenting style).
Aug 16, 2008
Erotic Horizon
added it
Taking Back Childhood: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Fast-Paced, Media-Saturated, Violence-Filled World by Nancy Carlsson-Paige (2008)
Aug 02, 2008
Michelle
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
an parent
Recommended to Michelle by:
Beacon Hill Nursery School
I am liking this book so far.
this lady is awesome
May 13, 2013
Erin
marked it as to-read
May 12, 2013
Sheila
is currently reading it
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