I will say that some of the preachy things in the book (i.e. the constant mantra about not returning to work...) was a little much for me.
Having said...moreI will say that some of the preachy things in the book (i.e. the constant mantra about not returning to work...) was a little much for me.
Having said that, I found I agreed instinctively with the majority of what he had to say.
This is definately one I'll buy - it's good information IMO.(less)
From Isabel: 2. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk: This is another on my bedside table. From the same group that brings you...moreFrom Isabel: 2. How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk: This is another on my bedside table. From the same group that brings you #3 and #7 on the list, this is chock-full of great insights about how to approach conversations with children of all ages so that they're more receptive to your wishes and so that you understand your children better. As the title suggests, the authors provide you with ways to create a context that encourages really effective communication skills -- I think their approach helps us reframe communication with not only kids, but with spouses, coworkers, etc. It's compassionate, effective, concrete and can result in some seriously fabulous results, from my experience.(less)
3. Between Parent and Child: Yes, it's dated, but I love, love, love Haim Ginott. Here's a famous quote of his, that I continue to use: “If you want y...more3. Between Parent and Child: Yes, it's dated, but I love, love, love Haim Ginott. Here's a famous quote of his, that I continue to use: “If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others.” It's a classic, more suited for older kids (over 3 or so) than younger ones. Here's one of a bajillion review/summaries out there: "Perhaps Haim’s genius was helping parents capture the meaning behind children’s words and deeds. There is nothing quite as soothing for children as being understood. There is nothing quite as helpful for solving parenting problems as the feeling of parents and children working together. Ginott’s approach was unique because he joined great compassion with solid limits" (from the website).(less)
From Isabel: 1. Playful Parenting: I can't tell you how many times I still pick up this book. It's on my night table and I often find myself rifling t...moreFrom Isabel: 1. Playful Parenting: I can't tell you how many times I still pick up this book. It's on my night table and I often find myself rifling through my dog-eared copy to remind myself to Chill-the-f$#@-out! The book reminds us to HAVE FUN with this whole parenting gig. Easier said than done, but I find that the general approach of the book continues to inspire me to come up with new ways to approach old problems. Instead of the power struggles, the book shows us how to make conflicts into games. Instead of focusing on "discipline" and the "rules" of the house, the author shifts our focus to laughing, rough-housing, joking and bonding with our children. It doesn't solve EVERY discipline problem, but for me it gives me the gentle reminder that my toughest conflicts with my kids can often be solved better through flexible strategies that engage my children's compliance through play and imagination rather than through power and force of will. (less)
4. Parenting with Love and Logic: I like this book because of its straightforward, practical approach. I like its emphasis on parental modeling of "re...more4. Parenting with Love and Logic: I like this book because of its straightforward, practical approach. I like its emphasis on parental modeling of "responsible" behaviour and problem-solving. I also appreciate some of the techniques that are offered up as very concrete ways of teaching children how to make responsible choices on their own (and helping parents deal with commonly occurring conflicts like back-seat battles in the car, homework, and keeping bedrooms clean). I have some beefs about it too, but I think it's worth the read. (less)
I basically read through the first pages of this book and then looked at the different signs - it will definately be worth picking back up when my bab...moreI basically read through the first pages of this book and then looked at the different signs - it will definately be worth picking back up when my baby is the right age.(less)
This was a fantastic book! I'm a little worried I won't be able to figure out how to swaddle properly - so I'm renting the video so I can watch it.
But...moreThis was a fantastic book! I'm a little worried I won't be able to figure out how to swaddle properly - so I'm renting the video so I can watch it.
But even if you only pick up a few tricks, it's worth the read!(less)
I'll be honest, this book freaked me out. It left me feeling that if I didn't follow the guidelines exactly, I was ruining my child for life. Not my c...moreI'll be honest, this book freaked me out. It left me feeling that if I didn't follow the guidelines exactly, I was ruining my child for life. Not my cup of tea.(less)
From Isabelle: 5. The Mother of All Toddler Books: Ann Douglas is awesome for so many reasons, but one of the most straightforward is that she is amaz...moreFrom Isabelle: 5. The Mother of All Toddler Books: Ann Douglas is awesome for so many reasons, but one of the most straightforward is that she is amazing at pulling together a whole bunch of resources, methods, techniques, and so on into one definitive compendium. This book gives you a bunch of approaches to try out with your child, depending on age, temperament, and you parenting style. It's a really great resource not only for discipline (how to deal with whining, tantrums, and so on) but also deals with other typical toddler challenges like potty training and eating. (less)
This book is not what I expected. I wanted a book with a whole lot of hands on "do this, not this" sort of tips with a little bit of theory. This book...moreThis book is not what I expected. I wanted a book with a whole lot of hands on "do this, not this" sort of tips with a little bit of theory. This books is a WHOLE lot of theory (albeit, good theory), with the expectation that you'll figure out how to apply that theory.
Maybe my brain is just slow these days....but I need it spelled out for me, not me left to draw conclusions.(less)