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Parking Lot Rules & 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children
When Tom Sturges became a father, he wanted to be the greatest father who ever walked the earth. So Sturges asked a lot of questions. He picked up ideas, advice, and tips from parents, grandparents, even rock stars and sports legends–anyone who had unique insights to share. The result is this practical, inspiring rule book for raising healthy, happy, safe, and cherished children. Philosophical, sensible, and empowering, these 76 ideas include such gems as:
• Teach your children that they have to follow the “Parking Lot Rules” whenever they are in (you guessed it) a parking lot. They must stay close. There is to be no trailing behind. No racing ahead. No exceptions.
• Let your child feel welcome and loved from the instant he or she walks into a room. “Smile When You See Them,” and leave no doubt that, at that moment, your child is the most important person in your world.
• Since parents who yell intimidate, and those who use a calm tone inspire, “When You Get Upset, Whisper”–and make sure your message is heard.
• Follow “The Bill Walton Rule”: If you can’t be on time, be early.
• When your children accomplish something great in sports, use “The ESPN Rule” by telling the story in intimate detail and filling them with the belief that they can do it again and again.
Parking Lot Rules puts a fresh new spin on parenting, in an inspiring handbook full of heart and kindness that will resonate with joy and meaning for parents and children everywhere.
• Teach your children that they have to follow the “Parking Lot Rules” whenever they are in (you guessed it) a parking lot. They must stay close. There is to be no trailing behind. No racing ahead. No exceptions.
• Let your child feel welcome and loved from the instant he or she walks into a room. “Smile When You See Them,” and leave no doubt that, at that moment, your child is the most important person in your world.
• Since parents who yell intimidate, and those who use a calm tone inspire, “When You Get Upset, Whisper”–and make sure your message is heard.
• Follow “The Bill Walton Rule”: If you can’t be on time, be early.
• When your children accomplish something great in sports, use “The ESPN Rule” by telling the story in intimate detail and filling them with the belief that they can do it again and again.
Parking Lot Rules puts a fresh new spin on parenting, in an inspiring handbook full of heart and kindness that will resonate with joy and meaning for parents and children everywhere.
222 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
18 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 3, 2010
Divorced dad of two sons, executive, coach, and teacher Tom Sturges wrote a collection of parenting "rules" to live by. The book contains some worthwhile tidbits, such as:
3. Grow the tree you've got--your child might not be exactly what you get, but love him or her for their own unique personality
4. Smile when you see them--greet your child with love and affection
5. Once seen, never unseen--protect your child from seeing unpleasant or traumatic things that will scar them for life (this is why we kept our then-5-year-old son from all news media after 9/11)
6. Treat her like your boss--treat your child with goodwill and the benefit of the doubt, just as you would your boss
22. When you get upset, whisper--it carries more than yelling
33. Thank you notes--we are big believers in thank you notes in our household!
45. Your child has to know where you are--switch the responsibility by advising your child to keep his or her eye on you at all times
But here's what I didn't like:
*The obsession with sports--a whole chapter of parenting tips related to sports?
*The sanctimonious attitude--although I agree that it's a good idea not to yell at children, it's hard to believe that Sturges has never fallen into that trap himself...and in fact, a few of the anecdotes he tells about his own parenting are worse than yelling in my opinion...
*Then there's his ideas to give children the silent treatment as a "nonviolent" punishment, or to squirt water on a child who is having a temper tantrum...so much of the book is exhorting parents to treat children with respect, and then there are these hairbrained ideas, which dilute and discount all the good ideas in the book.
3. Grow the tree you've got--your child might not be exactly what you get, but love him or her for their own unique personality
4. Smile when you see them--greet your child with love and affection
5. Once seen, never unseen--protect your child from seeing unpleasant or traumatic things that will scar them for life (this is why we kept our then-5-year-old son from all news media after 9/11)
6. Treat her like your boss--treat your child with goodwill and the benefit of the doubt, just as you would your boss
22. When you get upset, whisper--it carries more than yelling
33. Thank you notes--we are big believers in thank you notes in our household!
45. Your child has to know where you are--switch the responsibility by advising your child to keep his or her eye on you at all times
But here's what I didn't like:
*The obsession with sports--a whole chapter of parenting tips related to sports?
*The sanctimonious attitude--although I agree that it's a good idea not to yell at children, it's hard to believe that Sturges has never fallen into that trap himself...and in fact, a few of the anecdotes he tells about his own parenting are worse than yelling in my opinion...
*Then there's his ideas to give children the silent treatment as a "nonviolent" punishment, or to squirt water on a child who is having a temper tantrum...so much of the book is exhorting parents to treat children with respect, and then there are these hairbrained ideas, which dilute and discount all the good ideas in the book.
August 9, 2012
One might wonder why a mother of three would pick up this book. I wondered that myself at first. But with my older two kids just a couple short years from hitting their tween phase, and with my littlest one being a spunky, hot-tempered little thing who's quite different from how her older siblings were when they were babies, I thought it would be good to read this book for various reasons: 1) to see how my parenting measures up to the principles in this book; and 2) to see if I could do something different or better.
As it turns out, much of how I had already felt about parenting is echoed in this book, but my style of parenting could be pushed further by the main, overall principle, which is to above all, respect your child and to teach him/her what that respect means. The principles reiterate a language of understanding and empathy: be a good listener, be a good storyteller, hug lots, and be encouraging. Not only is this good for the parent, but if done properly and effectively, the child will mirror these actions and learn the importance of this principle in terms of everyday life and interactions.
You can read my comments to see what I gathered from the book. Keep in mind that I only talk about what I found particularly useful, which doesn't mean that I didn't find everything that I didn't write about not useful. Rather, I have already been doing some of the principles and didn't want to repeat them, or I didn't really like the rules. The comments are more for me to look at and be reminded of what things I can try out.
I did tell my two older kids about this book and what I found useful. They are very receptive to this discussion, and I'm excited to see how it all goes down, especially when my husband takes a look at my review and comments, and we discuss this as a family.
I recommend this book to anyone really--not just parents--who want to examine human interaction from a different lens.
As it turns out, much of how I had already felt about parenting is echoed in this book, but my style of parenting could be pushed further by the main, overall principle, which is to above all, respect your child and to teach him/her what that respect means. The principles reiterate a language of understanding and empathy: be a good listener, be a good storyteller, hug lots, and be encouraging. Not only is this good for the parent, but if done properly and effectively, the child will mirror these actions and learn the importance of this principle in terms of everyday life and interactions.
You can read my comments to see what I gathered from the book. Keep in mind that I only talk about what I found particularly useful, which doesn't mean that I didn't find everything that I didn't write about not useful. Rather, I have already been doing some of the principles and didn't want to repeat them, or I didn't really like the rules. The comments are more for me to look at and be reminded of what things I can try out.
I did tell my two older kids about this book and what I found useful. They are very receptive to this discussion, and I'm excited to see how it all goes down, especially when my husband takes a look at my review and comments, and we discuss this as a family.
I recommend this book to anyone really--not just parents--who want to examine human interaction from a different lens.
April 29, 2009
I can see how a certain type of parent might find this book helpful, however, I am not that type of parent. The author of this book has a child-rearing philosophy centered on the idea the the parent is the ultimate authority whose job it is to make the children into something the parent thinks is ideal. Tom Sturges is always the teacher and is always right.
I admit that Sturges does scratch the surface of an important topic: treating your kids with respect. He doesn't go far enough in my opinion.
Surges gets lost because he sees his kids a a part of himself. He can't see that they are individuals with individual personalities, and assumes that they have motives and abilities that they may not have.
His kids seem to have so many rules and hedges built around them that they cannot ever hope to find their own limits--the kids are so hedged in by what their dad thinks they should do/be and what is PC, that I will be amazed if they grow up to be people who know who they are and if they like eggs Benedict.
He could really use a child development course to understand that 6-year-olds should not be criticized for not putting 'enough' effort into a golf game, and that whispered abuse is not necessarily better than yelling.
I admit that Sturges does scratch the surface of an important topic: treating your kids with respect. He doesn't go far enough in my opinion.
Surges gets lost because he sees his kids a a part of himself. He can't see that they are individuals with individual personalities, and assumes that they have motives and abilities that they may not have.
His kids seem to have so many rules and hedges built around them that they cannot ever hope to find their own limits--the kids are so hedged in by what their dad thinks they should do/be and what is PC, that I will be amazed if they grow up to be people who know who they are and if they like eggs Benedict.
He could really use a child development course to understand that 6-year-olds should not be criticized for not putting 'enough' effort into a golf game, and that whispered abuse is not necessarily better than yelling.
August 4, 2008
Though some parts were a little cheesy, I thought this book had a lot of good ideas. I especially liked "Grow the Tree You've Got". It really did inspire me to try to be a better parent. I have a hard time believing that the author follows ALL of his own rules all the time with his kids. No one can be that perfect! I wish he would have conceded that point a little bit more. I prefer my parenting advice to come from someone who is a little more self-deprecating and realistic. Still, it was a nice little book.
July 10, 2017
I was going to give this book 5 stars and then I made the mistake of looking at other reviews and allowing them to color my perspective. Is the author a little too cocky and condescending? Perhaps. But does that make the content of the book any less valuable? Not really. And ok, so everyone is all up in arms about flicking water in a kids face, but that was one of 75 ideas which were compiled from experts, friends, and family. You don't have to like or agree with all 75! They're just ideas!
I personally thought there was a lot of valuable content that will improve my relationships not only with my children, but with my friends and even husband. For example, responding with "yes?" instead of "what!" when someone calls your name.
Lastly, to all these people pointing out the authors marital status and saying his writing is irrelevant to them because they're in two-parent relationships... I don't see it. I am happily married and am not single parenting and there was not one idea in this book that I couldn't apply if I wanted to. I think what were actually seeing is a lot of defensiveness based on people having parented differently in the past. No need, folks. He's not trying to call you out. He's trying to share his wisdom and make money selling books. Let's all calm down.
Overall, I thought this was a quick and worthwhile read.
I personally thought there was a lot of valuable content that will improve my relationships not only with my children, but with my friends and even husband. For example, responding with "yes?" instead of "what!" when someone calls your name.
Lastly, to all these people pointing out the authors marital status and saying his writing is irrelevant to them because they're in two-parent relationships... I don't see it. I am happily married and am not single parenting and there was not one idea in this book that I couldn't apply if I wanted to. I think what were actually seeing is a lot of defensiveness based on people having parented differently in the past. No need, folks. He's not trying to call you out. He's trying to share his wisdom and make money selling books. Let's all calm down.
Overall, I thought this was a quick and worthwhile read.
August 16, 2017
I try not to "reshelve" too many books but I just could not finish this book. You know what they say about opinions, everyone has one, and Sturges just wants to share his opinion of what great parenting looks and sounds like. I wanted to see what he had to say and take the gems that worked for me but I had a hard time with the tone of the writing. Nothing against the book, the ideas, or the writer but you can't please everyone and I'm going to move on.
November 29, 2009
If you ever read Robert Fulgum’s All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kinderarten, then you’ll understand what I mean when I say that Tom Sturges’ Parking Lot Rules is this decade’s version of Fulgham’s go-to-guide for parents.
Here are some examples of Sturge’s words of wisdom:
• EVERYDAY: Let your children feel welcome and loved from the first moment he or she walks into a room. “Smile When You See Him” (rule #4) and leave no doubt that, at that moment, your child is the most important person in your world.
• COMMUNICATING: Since yelling parents intimidate, and a calm tone inspires, “When You Get Upset, Whisper” (rule #22) –and make sure your message is heard.
• MANNERS MATTERS: Follow “The Bill Walton Rule,” (rule #34) and if you can’t be on time, be early.
• NO LOST CHILDREN: When a family or group travels together, obey “The Caboose Rule” (rule #43) by assigning an adult or older child to keep up the rear–and ensure that no little ones lag behind.
• DISCIPLINES AND PUNISHMENTS: “The 10-Second Rule” (rule #49) prescribes the minimum amount of time you should wait before thinking about punishing your child for that D in English.
• PAIN HAPPENS, NOW WHAT?: After your child experiences a little cut, bump, or scrape, say “Squeeze My Hand as Much as It Hurts” (rule #62); it is remarkable how their being able to “show” you will help to ease his or her pain.
• PLAY SPORTS, PERIOD: When your children accomplish something great in their sports, using “The ESPN Rule,” (rule #67) tell the story in intimate detail and fill them with the belief that they can do it again and again.
Written in quick chapters with amazing stories that will inspire you and change the way you view communication and child-rearing, Parking Lot Rules is a must-have for new parents and those seeking ways to make life easier.
Here are some examples of Sturge’s words of wisdom:
• EVERYDAY: Let your children feel welcome and loved from the first moment he or she walks into a room. “Smile When You See Him” (rule #4) and leave no doubt that, at that moment, your child is the most important person in your world.
• COMMUNICATING: Since yelling parents intimidate, and a calm tone inspires, “When You Get Upset, Whisper” (rule #22) –and make sure your message is heard.
• MANNERS MATTERS: Follow “The Bill Walton Rule,” (rule #34) and if you can’t be on time, be early.
• NO LOST CHILDREN: When a family or group travels together, obey “The Caboose Rule” (rule #43) by assigning an adult or older child to keep up the rear–and ensure that no little ones lag behind.
• DISCIPLINES AND PUNISHMENTS: “The 10-Second Rule” (rule #49) prescribes the minimum amount of time you should wait before thinking about punishing your child for that D in English.
• PAIN HAPPENS, NOW WHAT?: After your child experiences a little cut, bump, or scrape, say “Squeeze My Hand as Much as It Hurts” (rule #62); it is remarkable how their being able to “show” you will help to ease his or her pain.
• PLAY SPORTS, PERIOD: When your children accomplish something great in their sports, using “The ESPN Rule,” (rule #67) tell the story in intimate detail and fill them with the belief that they can do it again and again.
Written in quick chapters with amazing stories that will inspire you and change the way you view communication and child-rearing, Parking Lot Rules is a must-have for new parents and those seeking ways to make life easier.
February 19, 2009
I'm trying to pepper in some non-fiction in my growing list of fiction books to read. This is one of the first I've actually made it all the way through -- non-fiction has to work pretty hard to keep my attention or to jockey for position during my limited and precious "me time."
I used to read a lot of parenting books, but when you have two kids, who has the time? I picked up Parking Lot Rules because it doled out advice in a way I could easily digest it -- in quick and easy-to-read lessons and essays.
I wouldn't say there was anything revolutionary in the book in terms of advice -- some of the earliest recommendations were common sense and almost laughable, like reminding your kids to pull back their hands when you close the door by saying, "Fingers, fingers!" every time you shut the door. However, I have closed my son's hand in the door before, so maybe that advice isn't so common sense. But I digress..
I did take two good recommendations from the book, though: Once seen, never unseen -- meaning that once your kids see something horrible on TV or in the news, you can never get that slice of innocence back for them. The other advice that resonated with me? "It's almost never a good idea to say the first thing that pops into your head." This is true in business, in relationships, and especially in raising children. I have to fight that instinct a lot, especially when I'm frustrated with my kids, but I've started reminding myself of that sage advice.
The book is full of little nuggets like these that might be helpful, and at least inspire some reflection. I wouldn't say its a fantastic read, but it's worth picking up for some quick parenting idea sharing.
I used to read a lot of parenting books, but when you have two kids, who has the time? I picked up Parking Lot Rules because it doled out advice in a way I could easily digest it -- in quick and easy-to-read lessons and essays.
I wouldn't say there was anything revolutionary in the book in terms of advice -- some of the earliest recommendations were common sense and almost laughable, like reminding your kids to pull back their hands when you close the door by saying, "Fingers, fingers!" every time you shut the door. However, I have closed my son's hand in the door before, so maybe that advice isn't so common sense. But I digress..
I did take two good recommendations from the book, though: Once seen, never unseen -- meaning that once your kids see something horrible on TV or in the news, you can never get that slice of innocence back for them. The other advice that resonated with me? "It's almost never a good idea to say the first thing that pops into your head." This is true in business, in relationships, and especially in raising children. I have to fight that instinct a lot, especially when I'm frustrated with my kids, but I've started reminding myself of that sage advice.
The book is full of little nuggets like these that might be helpful, and at least inspire some reflection. I wouldn't say its a fantastic read, but it's worth picking up for some quick parenting idea sharing.
July 11, 2008
Just finished this and really enjoyed it. Lots of good things to remember and even more to come back to as the kids grow (so I might have to purchase it for myself). I did think it was more geared for a little older kids (my oldest is three), because there were lots of times when I was reading this while nursing my 3 month old at bedtime, while the toddler was upstairs having a fussy tired meltdown with Daddy, and I found myself wondering what Rule we could use for times like that.
**I marked this review as having spoilers because I listed my favorite rules for my own reference.
My favorite Rules:
#1 Parking Lot Rules - already put this into effect. Works even going on a walk when she gets too far ahead of us.
#4 Smile When You See Them
#6 Treat Her Like Your Boss (so hard when she is a fussy disaster!)
#7 Almost Always Skip the First Thing That Comes to Mind
#14 Yes-Not-What
#18 The Five Best Times to Talk to Your Child (bath, bed, drive , wake-up, anytime)
#22 When You Get Upset, Whisper
#48 The Truth Reduces the Punishment By 90%
#56 5 Very Effective Nonviolent Punishments (esp writing sentences and make him apologize to the whole family)
**I marked this review as having spoilers because I listed my favorite rules for my own reference.
My favorite Rules:
#1 Parking Lot Rules - already put this into effect. Works even going on a walk when she gets too far ahead of us.
#4 Smile When You See Them
#6 Treat Her Like Your Boss (so hard when she is a fussy disaster!)
#7 Almost Always Skip the First Thing That Comes to Mind
#14 Yes-Not-What
#18 The Five Best Times to Talk to Your Child (bath, bed, drive , wake-up, anytime)
#22 When You Get Upset, Whisper
#48 The Truth Reduces the Punishment By 90%
#56 5 Very Effective Nonviolent Punishments (esp writing sentences and make him apologize to the whole family)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2016
Fairly hit or miss. The first third of the book has some good advice, but the latter sections feel rather thin. If you're a single dad who's obsessed with sports, this may very well be the perfect book for you. For the rest of us, it leaves a lot to be desired. For instance, there's no discussion of raising children with a spouse or grandparents in the picture. The tone comes across a bit sanctimonious and unrealistic. Sturges gives us a lot of rules that should never be broken - fair enough. But over the thousands of days you're going to spend with your child you will falter now and again. There's no discussion of how to reduce the number mistakes we make or how to talk to your child about how parents make mistakes once in a while: you simply should never have erred in the first place! The hard line approach the book offers has an unappealing whiff of religious zealotry.
Nevertheless there is some good here, and it's certainly a quick read - probably only a couple hours. I'd recommend a cursory skim and to see if Sturges's style (of prose and parenting) matches up with your own.
Nevertheless there is some good here, and it's certainly a quick read - probably only a couple hours. I'd recommend a cursory skim and to see if Sturges's style (of prose and parenting) matches up with your own.
August 26, 2008
This was a quick, somewhat inspiring read filled with little ideas to make your kids feel loved and to hopefully help them grow into strong, confident, good people. I might not agree with all of the author's suggestions (I don't see how squirting a kid with a water gun while he's having a temper tantrum will guarantee that he will grow into an amazing person, but it will certainly tick him off). But, some of Sturges' ideas are great, such as giving a child your undivided attention while he/she tries to spit out a very long and redundant story. (I am often guilty of trying to rush the telling of a story just so we can get on with our day, but I realize how a little patience from me might instill more self-worth in my kids.) I also liked some of Sturges' ideas on discipline (ie, the truth reduces the punishment by 90%--although I might go with 50%!). The author touches on everything from safety tips to ways not to embarrass your adolescent. Lots of good things to keep in mind as your kids grow older, as much of it seems aimed at elementary age and up.
March 25, 2009
Okay I started off really thinking this guys new what he was talking about. Sometimes I think he gets lucky, like we all do in raising our children. He really shouldn't be writing a book. He contradicts himself and sounds arrogant. He even talks about going over to other peoples homes and how he helped them with suggestions on how to parent their unruly children. Mind you he says these are his friends and continues on with talk about how their homes are unsatisfactory. Hello? I bet there not his friends anymore. My favorite reason NOT to like him is when he suggests squirting water on a child who is having a tantrum. yes like a cat or a puppy! He also says there is NO reason EVER that you should not be at a child's sporting event. Um he has 2 kids. Did he stop to think what people with more then 2 kids need to do? What if you have 4 kids in soccer at the same time? or what if you have a baby? What a ding a ling!
September 22, 2009
Most of the tips in this book are good, but generic: treat your child with respect, don't ever raise your voice or use violence, love them unconditionally, go to all their sporting events, praise them consistently, count to 10 before you say anything. We get it, Tom.
However, a few tips are actually *quite* good. For instance, Sturges plays a game called "Excellent Questions" with his children in which they try to come up with questions that don't have trivial answers or easy solutions. That's not something I would have thought up on my own.
The few great tips excepted, this book has little to offer. Sturges is divorced and nearly every tip has to do with the relationship of one parent to one child; none address the challenge of raising children together or working together as a family.
However, a few tips are actually *quite* good. For instance, Sturges plays a game called "Excellent Questions" with his children in which they try to come up with questions that don't have trivial answers or easy solutions. That's not something I would have thought up on my own.
The few great tips excepted, this book has little to offer. Sturges is divorced and nearly every tip has to do with the relationship of one parent to one child; none address the challenge of raising children together or working together as a family.
July 3, 2012
I started out really liking this book and the ideas in it... But then the author started to really rub me the wrong way. He comes off as smug and arrogant, believing he is the authority on child- rearing. He even talks about going over 'friends' houses and improving their parenting. I also get the sense that he has a lot of time and disposable income. Some of us are human and get tired or irritated. I found it hard to believe that the author never yelled at his kids. Really? Never? I agree that it's not good to yell at your children and that it should be avoided but, yeesh, we are all human! And then, after going on and on about respecting your children, the author suggests squirting your child with water to stop a tantrum. Umm, I believe that's what dog trainers recommend for your unruly pet...
July 1, 2010
This book is a fun, quick read. I liked several of the rules to live by and hope to implement them. (some are for adults to have as rules, some are for the kids to know, too). I think I could be happy picking this up for a brush-up on ideas when I'm in a slump, but it's not a major fix-it plan for any problems, just a light list of good ideas. Here are some I liked:
Parking Lot rules (stay close to mom)
Smile when you see them
Almost Always skip the first thing that comes to mind
Treat your child like your boss (in terms of respect)
"yes" not "what!?" (when answering their calls)
20 second explanations
Listen to stories
5 best times to talk with your child
Angels Everywhere
Caboose Rule
The truth reduces the punishment by 90%
Parking Lot rules (stay close to mom)
Smile when you see them
Almost Always skip the first thing that comes to mind
Treat your child like your boss (in terms of respect)
"yes" not "what!?" (when answering their calls)
20 second explanations
Listen to stories
5 best times to talk with your child
Angels Everywhere
Caboose Rule
The truth reduces the punishment by 90%
April 30, 2015
A fun, easy read. A lot of good, common-sense advice, although the book is limited in its scope. I'd suggest reading with a healthy helping of salt, as some of it seems like a good idea in print, but may not be appropriate in practice, especially with regards to special-needs kids. Honestly, I can't imagine any circumstances under which flicking water at your child's face in order to stave off a tantrum would actually work. Is it harmless? Sure. But in my experience it will only lead to an even bigger meltdown. It's also very sports-centric, which isn't bad per se, but again, it's always a good idea to keep in mind that one can broaden one's horizons beyond sports in order to build autonomy, cooperation, and good sportsmanship.
August 31, 2009
So this seemed like a cute little book to glean some parenting ideas from.....what a sanctimonious jerk this guy is. If I had to read one more little cutesy anecdote that reminded me about how he NEVER raises his voice to his kids and ALWAYS attends every event they're involved in, I was going to puke. It's not so much that what he says isn't right--it usually is, but it's more the tone...that he never lapses, never feels strained doing anything and doesn't tolerate anyone who does. Not a fan.
February 26, 2010
He lost me at "no yelling."
I enjoy reading parenting books - little tips and tricks go a long way during long days - but this one was a bit too sanctimonious and "easier said than done." Parenting advice (at least for me) needs to be practical. We all know we shouldn't yell, and we should be patient every minute of the day, but that's not life. So, while I found some nuggets of good information, generally this one was not something I would recommend - at least to the real life parents I know and love.
I enjoy reading parenting books - little tips and tricks go a long way during long days - but this one was a bit too sanctimonious and "easier said than done." Parenting advice (at least for me) needs to be practical. We all know we shouldn't yell, and we should be patient every minute of the day, but that's not life. So, while I found some nuggets of good information, generally this one was not something I would recommend - at least to the real life parents I know and love.
August 19, 2008
Not too impressed. A few good points in the book but for the most part, seemed to be authored by a very self-righteous parent. Guiding principles of respect of course totally make sense but some of his applications are goofy or impractical. Felt several times like not finishing it but worse to me than a bad book is not finishing a book started. There's always something to be learned - is that too self-righteous?
October 8, 2008
I took away a few thoughts from this book that I loved such as in the sections on "grow the tree you got!", and a few others that I have found to be insightful like "Yes, not what?". Other than that I felt that the book was primarily geared towards older children (not the pre-schooler and toddler) but those that have more reasoning and conversation skills. You just have to pick and choose what ideas you like from this book - otherwise it will just leave you feeling like an inadequate parent!
April 15, 2009
Loved it! 75 basic principles and simple suggestions on how to be better parents. Some that really impacted me were:
Whisper instead of yell at children
Put your kids in to sports no matter what
Treat your children the same way you would if your boss was in the room with you
Get them outside
I should've wrote these down as I read the book--and I already returned it! :) Great read...and a quick read.
Whisper instead of yell at children
Put your kids in to sports no matter what
Treat your children the same way you would if your boss was in the room with you
Get them outside
I should've wrote these down as I read the book--and I already returned it! :) Great read...and a quick read.
April 19, 2010
While there were a few "Parking Lot Rules" I thought were smart and helpful, there was a bit too much of the sanctimonious in this book for me. And far too many "always" and "never" rules for parenting. I guess I like parenting books, especially when they are written by an average joe just like me and not someone with a PhD in child development next to his name, to have a more self-deprecating, less self-satisfied, style.
August 15, 2011
This book made me feel like I wasn't too terribly off on some of my common sense when it comes to parenting. Although, when the book started making suggestions about how not to lose your children in a crowd or when your on vacation it made me think of worst case scenarios so I decided not to finish it. I was going to be traveling out of state soon with a rambunctious four year old and the thought of losing him scared the book right out of my hands.
January 18, 2012
This was a quick read and It got me thinking about some things I need to do differently. At times, I felt he was a tad bit too dramatic.
I liked his rules: "grow the tree you've got" and "almost always skip the first thing that comes to mind". I have also really thought about the reaction I give my kids the first time I see them throughout the day; first thing in the morning, when they get off the bus, etc and how I acknowledge them.
I liked his rules: "grow the tree you've got" and "almost always skip the first thing that comes to mind". I have also really thought about the reaction I give my kids the first time I see them throughout the day; first thing in the morning, when they get off the bus, etc and how I acknowledge them.
May 19, 2013
There are some worthwhile bits of advice and ideas in this book, but the tone and style of writing just felt a little too weird for me – like someone who seems like a perfectly decent person but who harbors some truly bizarre internal life. This was a recommendation from a friend, and I get the sense it could be useful for a lot of people; for the very well-adjusted, it may be slightly less.
Read it quickly, and skim it first.
Read it quickly, and skim it first.
March 30, 2009
So overall this was a decent book with some sage advice. It gave me some things to think about and it has some good ideas I'm sharing with my daughter (a new mom). At times it felt a little contrived and at times it seemed the author was a little too pleased with himself. It's an easy, quick read.
March 21, 2011
While this book was a little cheesy I thought it was a nice little book. My favorite rules were #3 "Grow the Tree You've Got" and #25 "The Other Side of the Highway". Most of his other rules are just plain common sense..duh. But, since I'm always open to parenting advice I was curious to check out his thoughts.
October 22, 2008
Not sure how much you could expect to learn about successful parenting from a divorced guys whose kids are still only teenagers.
But surprising there is some interesting food for thought in here. Just take it with a grain of salt. Worth skimming through or buying if its cheap.
But surprising there is some interesting food for thought in here. Just take it with a grain of salt. Worth skimming through or buying if its cheap.
August 8, 2015
This is a fun parenting book. It doesn't delve deeply into raising children. Instead there are just 75 new and unique tools to add to your parenting toolbelt.
Most of the tips are very practical.
A worthwhile and quick read.
Most of the tips are very practical.
A worthwhile and quick read.
July 17, 2009
I don't agree with everything in this book, but the author oozes love for his kids. I really do like some of his rules, and having some of them articulated is helping me remember to treat my own kids with more respect. A very fast read, too.
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