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There are a lot of things I agreed with in this parenting book, although the sample texts of conversations were a little cheesy. Not all techniques would be good with adopted kids, though. For instance all the adoption research and literature I have seen indicates that adopted kids need "time ins" near the parents rather than being separated from family members.

But I do like the techniques of staying calm, presenting the child with choices, and letting the child have to deal with the consequences of his or her choices.

I appreciated the part of this book that talked about how to talk to your children when they misbehave without showing anger, engaging in an argument that they start with you, and teaching them to be responsible people who will be able to survive without you. This small part that I have taken away from this book has already begun to be very successful in my parenting. However, there was plenty in this book that I did not agree with and would never see myself incorporating in my everyday parenting. Not that they are downright horrible methods; it’s just that I’ve read many parenting books over the years and this definitely doesn’t rank in my top five. I’m glad I read it because there were definitely things I learned, but I can’t say I’ll be recommending this book in its entirety to anyone in the future.

I had used the "Teaching with Love and Logic" and so this was a nice "refresher" for me with a parenting approach. I like the idea of natural consequences and teaching children personal responsibility. It feels like this is very natural to what we already do with our daughter.

Every parent should read this

I have been a parents for 18+ years now but this book taught me a ton. It makes so much sense and I can see how employing some of these tactics will get better results from our children than what I had been doing. I plan on re-reading this over and over again. Its a priceless resource.

I’m going to start this review with saying, “I’m giving it 3 stars.” With that being said, I am a licensed professional counselor or (LPC), who works largely with children. A lot of this stuff is common sense to me, but I am unsure if that is just because solely of the career I have. The book may be very useful to people who are new parents, or have little experience with children.

I also found the book slightly impractical. One section of the book advocated for forcing your children to call stepparents “mom” or “dad.” Never would I suggest this in my practice as it takes autonomy away from the child. Also, as a punishment, they suggested letting the child walk home a few blocks. Also, the book’s examples appeared too idealistic, and not “real-world.” The book was often repetitive; I honestly did not finish the book. The first half of the book explained the ideas clearly and concisely. The book did not need to go into “pearls of wisdom” as the regurgitated the same information over the last 100 pages.

Don’t get me wrong, I am very much for “natural consequences,” but this book made everything seem a little too idealistic for me. I will still recommend the book to new parents, but will give them fair warning about the book.

Read at your own risk.
informative reflective fast-paced

alreadyemily's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Some useful ideas, some disturbing ones. Did not finish.
informative reflective medium-paced

Best parenting book I’ve read! Makes you think of how you talk to and treat your kids vs your spouse, friends, etc. So much good information!!

Not a fan. I can't endorse any book who highlights locking your 4 year old child in the room (Oh but you should stand right outside!) or asking your 7 year old child if you look like an idiot. I tried to read to extract whatever good was in there, but I pulled out my pencil and started marking the book where I vehemently disagreed, so I set it aside and moved on to other books I find more beneficial.