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emerygirl's review against another edition
One day I will find a parenting book that speaks to me. This was not it. I need to find something as I have no idea how to be a parent..suggestions??
idgetfay's review against another edition
4.0
This one really resonated with me. Mostly it seemed to validate a lot of feelings I already held on parenting, but there was a lot here that was new and practical. The author put words and a framework to what would otherwise be just intuition. Unfortunately I did feel like it was a bit too long and could have been trimmed down a bit… and that’s with me basically skipping the chapters that pertained to older kids. I would definitely recommend this one to other parents if asked.
lmjones's review against another edition
4.0
I did what I like to think was a diligent search on parenting books before reading about this one and thinking it probably connected the most with how I want to parent. The book delivers what is promised, 'a warm, firm, and calm' approach. My daughter (and only child) is very young. In fact, she's probably still too young for the majority of the "Governor" section, or the section dedicated to young children, to apply to her (much less the other sections). But there were a handful of things I thought to try and so far so good!
The things I liked most about this book were the organization, the bibliography/notes at the back (granted, I haven't looked at it much, but it's kind of nice to know it's there and grants us the power to believe that the author at least knows how to pretend to be researched, if he isn't actually), and the strategies/techniques you can actually use (as in, it's not only theoretical principles, but actual things for you to try with your child.)
There were only two things I remember distinctly not liking: there almost seemed to be too many strategies to really remember AND the section about sex in the teenager/"guide" portion. Maybe the fact that there are so many strategies just goes to show that parenting is no easy feat and will require some intense study and dedication, but it has certainly been a lot to take in and try to apply, even at the relatively simple level I'm attempting with my daughter.
I thought that the section about sex made good points about how to talk to kids about the level of love and commitment associated with it, but as someone who has always believed in willpower and holding true to family and religious values, I find it insulting every time anyone presumes that teenagers just can't and won't help themselves when it comes to sex before marriage. Teenagers in general (regardless of whether they're sexually active or not) ought to find the idea that they can't control themselves insulting too. Jeez. I don't think that statement needed to be made because the principles outlined in the book could be applied to either scenario whether you support your kids in having premarital sex or support them in abstaining until marriage.
But all and all, I think it's well-thought out and very helpful.
The things I liked most about this book were the organization, the bibliography/notes at the back (granted, I haven't looked at it much, but it's kind of nice to know it's there and grants us the power to believe that the author at least knows how to pretend to be researched, if he isn't actually), and the strategies/techniques you can actually use (as in, it's not only theoretical principles, but actual things for you to try with your child.)
There were only two things I remember distinctly not liking: there almost seemed to be too many strategies to really remember AND the section about sex in the teenager/"guide" portion. Maybe the fact that there are so many strategies just goes to show that parenting is no easy feat and will require some intense study and dedication, but it has certainly been a lot to take in and try to apply, even at the relatively simple level I'm attempting with my daughter.
I thought that the section about sex made good points about how to talk to kids about the level of love and commitment associated with it, but as someone who has always believed in willpower and holding true to family and religious values, I find it insulting every time anyone presumes that teenagers just can't and won't help themselves when it comes to sex before marriage. Teenagers in general (regardless of whether they're sexually active or not) ought to find the idea that they can't control themselves insulting too. Jeez. I don't think that statement needed to be made because the principles outlined in the book could be applied to either scenario whether you support your kids in having premarital sex or support them in abstaining until marriage.
But all and all, I think it's well-thought out and very helpful.
spazk27's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
A practical and simple approach to discipline. I don't agree with all the views expressed, but no one should ever mindlessly adapt any parenting book. I am a strong believer of the points on how overwhelmed our kids are by the mass amount of the adult world being forced on them and our role as adults to help them navigate this. I also like how the author explains parenting as adapting through 3 stages based on our child's current development and needs.
eberico's review against another edition
4.0
I found the frameworks described in this book incredibly helpful in thinking about our changing roles as parents with regards to discipline and leadership. I skipped the teenaged section but will definitely return to it in 10 or so years.
tamarayork's review against another edition
4.0
Not quite as helpful as his other book, Simplicity Parenting, which is my North Star book. However, this was the helpful reminder that I needed to reinstate calm, firm, and warm discipline in our home. We had gotten a little mad, confrontational, and loud around here, just to keep it real. I recommend for a good refocus of your parental mojo.
kellynoyes's review against another edition
3.0
This book provides a framework for providing discipline from the toddler years until your kid is in their teens. I think it may be helpful for older kids, but the stuff for toddlers isn't practical. You're supposed to insist that your child do what you say, but never repeat an instruction? Good luck with that!
jaimebz's review against another edition
3.0
I might have connected more if Payne had narrated the audio version or if I read the print copy. I loved the Simplicity Parenting book and I really enjoy Payne’s podcast!