Graceful Parenting: Simple Advice for Raising a Gentle and Loving Child

by Eve M. Dreyfus

A spirited little book for parents and children, GRACEFUL PARENTING is a simple and wonderful guide to raising gentle and loving children. Twenty-five thoughtful and inspirational ideas encourage parents to provide the support and structure their kids need most by nurturing independence, teaching children to take responsibility for their actions, and discovering the power of simply listening. Illustrated by the enchanting, vivid drawings of the author'¬?s seven-year-old son, Noah, GRACEFUL PARENTING will help parents foster a lifelong, harmonious family atmosphere while providing a strong model of affectionate and respectful behavior for their children. It is a truly unique collaboration between mother and son, and a tender example of what families can accomplish when they work together as partners and friends. ‚Ä¢ An empowering and illuminating gift for new parents, teachers, school administrators, counselors, grandparents, or anyone who spends time with kids.‚Ä¢ Noah'¬?s full-color illustrations accompany each lesson.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published March 25, 2002

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was completely annoyed by this book. I expected some helpful tips about parenting. Instead I got If you own a gun, never show your child where it is. Why? So they can find it later and not know what it is? How about just lock up your guns so the kids don't have access. There were also mixed messages about not letting your child's schedule be too full while also exposing them to every activity you possibly can. And I will never make my child's schedule more important than my own nor will I relinquish control to my child as often as possible. I think these would teach the child that the world revolves around him/her, which would cause confusion/disappointment as they get older. Basically, none of this advice was helpful to me in any way. It either annoyed me or I just disagreed with it. Don't waste your time.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, yet profound. Read with your children.

[Andie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the good advice in this book is fairly obvious (don't give children access to guns) though some of it is worth the gentle reminder (don't yell). My main criticisms are that a lot of it needs to be expanded on to be good advice, and some is unreasonable and likely to result in other negative consequences.

For example, "there is no such thing as too much praise" - this is not true. Praise should be genuine and frequent, but an overabundance of praise can hamper intrinsic motivation.

Another example - she says you should spend *2 hours a day* playing with your child and you should rearrange your schedule and daily activities to accommodate this. What about time for the child to spend in quiet alone time? time spend with their siblings without adult intervention? time for parents to make dinner and catch up with each other after work? A lot of school aged children only have about 3 or 4 hours with parents after work and before bed and dinner needs to get made, kids need to shower, etc. Spending time with your kids is really important, but mandating 2 hours a day is too prescriptive.

She also says that when you are in a struggle for control with your child you should give them the control. This needs a lot of additional context, because generally it's not best parenting advice to go back on your word and let your child have their way whenever they disagree.

[Kat Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a helpful book. It is an easy read and would be perfect to keep on-hand as a short book of gentle parenting tips. Lots of simple and good advice. The only part I don't agree with the 3rd idea, "Praise your child." I think constant praise has potential to be damaging. But all of the other ideas presented in this book completely resonate with me. These are actions I desire to live out everyday and having this book nearby is an excellent (and needed) reminder.

[Susan Baumgartner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pluses: it was short and the author's son's pictures are very nice. Other than that (and let me confess that perhaps I'm in a bad place right now) her advice seemed at times conflicted and misguided.

[Denise Hartzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading little bits of encouragement...it's like reading fortunes from a fortune cookie. Sometimes it's the simple messages that make me stop & just be present.

[Jonine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, common sense advice! Very quick read .