Product Description

What′s an explosive child? A child who responds to routine problems with extreme frustration-crying, screaming, swearing, kicking, hitting, biting, spitting, destroying property, and worse. A child whose frequent, severe outbursts leave his or her parents feeling frustrated, scared, worried, and desperate for help. Most of these parents have tried everything-reasoning, explaining, punishing, sticker charts, therapy, medication-but to no avail. They can′t figure out why their child acts the way he or she does; they wonder why the strategies that work for other kids don′t work for theirs; and they don′t know what to do instead.

Customer Reviews (205)

Great advise!
When I first started reading this book I felt like Dr. Greene was describing my family. He offers clear explanations as to why explosive children behave the way that they do. This book is a must read!

Great book for parents of a bipolar child or teen!
I am currently about half way through this book.It is a perfect dead on description of my teenager who is bipolar.She is in the depression phase of bipolar right now but has been in the manic phase in the past.This book has been a big help for me.It has alot of good info on how to handle a bipolar child.Definitely one to add to the parents of a bipolar child arsenal!

Sucker punched
Was told by our family therapist to get this book.Ordered this one, not knowing it was the First Edition published 10-years prior.Make sure to check the edition.The newest is 2010.

Superb Toolbox for EVERY Parent
Regardless as to how your child behaves, Ross Greene's work is an exceptional set of tools for improving that child's problem solving skills and ensuring a more balanced approach to parenting in your household.The best aspect of the work is the three pronged approach.The Plan A, B or C allows parents to coordinate their efforts to improve behavioral issues with less disagreement on approach.

The book reads well and the examples, while tending to the extremes, are easily relatable to any child.This book is a must for the parent of the special needs child (ASD, ADHD, PDD-NOS) or of a child experiencing any stress (divorce, death of a family member, transition).Enabling children to open up, confront their own feelings and properly identify obstacles and skill gaps is an invaluable tool whcih will serve them well throughout their lives.

Incredibly useful book
I own this book, and almost from page one I saw my child.I was so happy to read the descriptions, and examples of another rigid, explosive child.Instantly I felt relief, there are other children like mine.First the book gave me validation.I now knew for sure that my child's reactions and my feelings were shared by other families.

The advice given, while no magic bullet, were a welcome relief.The steps were concrete and doable.The choices were mine to make as to which behaviors to ignore and which to work on. There was no condemnation on what is the 'right' way to handle a particular situation. It it works for me, it is great!What Your Explosive Child Is Trying to Tell You: Discovering the Pathway from Symptoms to Solutions ... Read more

Product Description
Why am I not a more joyful parent? Why aren’t my kids turning out as I expected? Why do I always feel as if I’m not doing enough for my children?

Is Parenting Supposed to Be This Difficult?

As a mother of six, author Leslie Leyland Fields knows firsthand the insecurities and questions that come with rearing children. In this provocative book, she explores with refreshing honesty the myths that can lead to unrealistic expectations and distract us from God’s purposes for our children and for us. These nine myths include:

• Children make you happy and bring great fulfillment.
• You will always feel love for your child.
• Your success as a parent can be measured by your child’s behavior.
• There is one “right” biblical model for family life.
• Good parenting will result in happy children.

Through a close look at God’s own life as a parent as well as stories from real-life families, Fields highlights the transforming biblical truths that release parents from the grip of mistaken assumptions. Fresh, provocative insights will lead you to a deeper understanding of God and yourself–an understanding that lifts the weight of guilt and fear and frees you to love your children as God intended.

Includes “going deeper” questions for individuals, couples, or groups. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A Must Read
Have you every had a passionate belief that you couldn't put into words? You knew it had a Biblical foundation, but for the life of you, you couldn't nail it down or explain it well enough without making you sound like you were making excuses or justifying yourself? This book, Parenting is Your Hightest Calling & Eight Other Myths by Leslie Leyland Fields did that for me. It is a must read for all parents.She outlines 9 myths that many parents buy into that can cause grief and disappointment when their parenting experience doesn't the bring the results they'd expected. As a mother of 15 children, 13 of whom are special needs adopted, I saw how the blame game is easily entered into by those who have a tendency to judge others, especially Christian leaders who take credit for their own children's successes.

Her basic premise is that we as parents are required by God to be faithful, to follow His basic guidelines for holy living and endeavor to teach the same precepts to our children. That's it. We are to leave the results up to Him. He is the one who will woo their hearts, call them to repentance and a life of service to Him. This book will help parents to look to God rather than themselves and quit applying pressure on themselves to satisfy those around them who expect them to take on God's role in their children's lives.

This is a very encouraging book and I recommend it to every parent.

This Book Will Set You Free!!!
This is by far the best parenting book I've ever read--and believe me, I've read more than my share!

If you are someone who gets caught in the anxiety/guilt cycle of constantly questioning whether or not you are making the right (or perfect!) decisions for your children, this book is for you. I'll let it speak for itself:

"We want so badly to get it all right--our marriages, our parenting, our family dynamics.We want to meet all the requirements of a good Christian family.But God takes every hour of our home life, as well as every hour outside of it, and he uses the mistakes, the flaws, the pain as much, if not more, than he uses the good" (from Chapter 9, pg. 203).

This quote epitomizes much of what I love about the book--it keeps pointing back to God, and to God's authority in our lives.While in no way abdicating parents of their responsibilies, the book releases them from the perfectionism that can steal the joy from parenting.It reminds parents that we are, in fact, not God, but fallible human beings who will mess up sometimes--even when we're trying so hard to do our best.How freeing to know that we can trust God to be God, and to use even our mistakes to His good purpose!For the perfectionist who gets paralyzed with all the "what ifs" and "if onlys" of parenting, this message is good news, indeed.

I have a master's degree in pastoral care and counseling, so I am always reading books like this with an eye to their underlying theology.Having said that, I truly feel that the Biblical work in this book is excellent and spot on.Ms. Fields clearly has done her homework, and is neither legalistic nor sloppy in her interpretation of Biblical texts.As a parent, I felt the gospel coming through loud and clear on every page.

Do yourself a favor and buy this book.You won't regret it.

Really great read! Inspiring...
Leslie has written a book that encourages me. I totally agree with Ken Canfield in the recommendations, who says "Chapter 8 [Myth 8: Successful Parents Produce Godly Children] is worth the price of the book alone. I heartily recommend it."

Things that struck me:

"...Yet not many of us have examined our own parenting assumptions and expectations, holding them up to the unsparing light of the Scriptures. In the absence of biblical truth, we quietly absorb the 'truths' our culture offers us: Children are here for our happiness. We're born with a natural instinct to love sacrifically. And if we simply devote ourselves to our parenting, our children will turn out as we want."

"...This book is not a manual to change your child: it is a deep gaze into the parenting heart of God our Father."

As a longtime homeschooling mom and member of moms' groups and a local church, I've seen it over and over. Parents often give sacrificially, and this sometimes happens (quote from Pastor Bradley):

"...I have heard from too many parents who feel like failures and they are especially baffled as they list all that they did or didn't do: no TV, no videos, no video games, no dating, no bad music, no youth group, no institutional church, no neighborhood friends; they homeschooled, dressed modestly, groomed conservatively, memorized Scriptures, and baked their own bread. They were intensely dedicated to rearing their children for God, but their trust was not really in God alone -- it was in what they did for God."

Thank you for this book, Leslie, and being so transparent!!

Misguided use of words and scripture
Having looked closely at the 9 myths I must stand up against the other reviews and shout from a mountain top that "Children are a blessing from the Lord".Done, enough said.The problem is not that we have guilt around our children, the problem is that a majority of American parents are selfish and unwilling to make their children the priority God makes His children - Priority #1.Yes, I said it, they are our #1 priority and by loving our children we prove our love for God.

This book is a classic feel good book that, at best, misleads Christian Families away from their true calling: "Be fruitful and multiply", and at worst flat-out lies to them.

Is Parenting Really Our Highest Calling? Leslie answers this and many other questions.
I can sum up Lesie Leyland Fields' book, Parenting Is Your Highest Calling in one word, honesty.Leslie doesn't claim to know it all as she honestly shares the trials and tribulations of parenting her own six children.She holds nothing back as she recounts the areas in which she struggles as well as where she feels she's succeded.She shows us that we don't need to feel guilty about our parenting skills.Most importantly, Leslie directs us to our Heavenly Father as the ultimate authority on parenting.

The questions at the end of each chapter are challenging and thought provoking.This book is an excellent resource for Bible study groups or those wishing to study on their own.Leslie backs up her ideas with scripture verses with which we are all familiar and dispels the myths that hold us back as parents.I Enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to parents with children of all ages.Every parent-to-be should read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
When parents need the most authoritative information on raising gifted kids, they can turn to Parenting Gifted Children: The Authoritative Guide From the National Association for Gifted Children. This comprehensive guide covers topics such as working with high achievers and young gifted children, acceleration, advocating for talented students, serving as role models and mentors for gifted kids, homeschooling, underachievement, twice-exceptional students, and postsecondary opportunities.

The only book of its kind, this guidebook will allow parents to find the support and resources they need to help their children find success in school and beyond. Written by experts in the field of gifted education and sponsored by the leading organization supporting the education of gifted and advanced learners, this book is sure to provide guidance, advice, and support for any parent of gifted children. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

homophobia and other right wing opinions
I purchased this book because Chapman's Five Love Languages has some very helpful information, however, I found that the Christian undertones of that book become overtly right wing opinions in Parenting Your Adult Child.The focus appears to be on what to do when your child no longer agrees with your morals, particularly if they are gay or co-habitating with someone.Homosexuality is explicitly called wrong in this book.I found this book offensive, and it contains very little by way of helping your adult child "achieve their full potential."

Second Copy
We purchased this book out of desperation. We have a 27 and 33 year old still living with us. This book has done more to help us than any other resource we've used. We held our first family meeting last week and the results changed the mood in our house from angry and sullen to open communication and sharing. Parenting Your Adult Child will help you understand this generation and how they tend to think. The book lays out simple plans for building confidence to help your adult children navigate the world on their own. My husband was so intrigued by all I told him he had me order a second copy. We're still not an empty nest yet, but at least for the first time in a very long time we're making progress.

Be encouraged!There is help for you and hope for your child!
My husband and I were having problems with our 22 year old son.He lacked motivation, purpose and a job.This book helped strengthen our backbones, to do the right thing for our son and ourselves.Three years later, he has a great job, is living on his own and is a pleasure to be around.The process was tough, but the results are well worth the effort.I have recommended this book to another couple and they are very happy with changes their son has made in his life.If you want help and hope, read this book and do what it says.It works!

Don't bother! No thanks to the Religious Dogma.
As the Mother of a Twenty something I searched for a book that would help me with parenting. I noticed the references to the Bible in the first chapter and it got worse after that. I take offence to material that says, in essence, homosexuality can be fixed, and to love your children but encurage them not to 'sin'.NO Thanks

Parenting Your Adult Child
This book was useful for focusing on issues in the relationships that parents have to their adult children. The principles taught were elementary, and the perspective was entirely from the parent's side, with not nearly enough empathy for the point of view of adult children. The title of the book, not to mention many of the underlying assumptions, is very offensive to "adult children"!My adult children suggested changing the title to "How to avoid parenting your adult children..." ... Read more

Product Description
Provides customizable, practice-tested exercises for use in counseling and therapy with parents

The Parenting Skills Homework Planner provides you with an array of ready-to-use, between-session assignments designed to fit virtually every therapeutic mode. This easy-to-use sourcebook features:

• 60 ready-to-copy exercises designed to aid parents
  
• A quick-reference format--the interactive assignments are grouped by behavioral problem, from divorce and trauma to school pressures and sexual abuse
• Expert guidance on how and when to make the most efficient use of the exercises
• Assignments that are cross-referenced to The Parenting Skills Treatment Planner—so you can quickly identify the right exercise for a given situation or behavioral problem
• A CD-ROM that contains all the exercises in Word format—allowing you to customize them to suit you and your clients' unique styles and needs

Customer Reviews (1)

Parenting Skills Homework Planner
Excellent book when working with parents in practice (counseling).I like this book more than the treatment planner, but the two work together hand in hand.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, how do we, as parents, honor the spirituality of our children? As we shuttle between school, soccer practice, piano lessons, ballet lessons, birthday parties, and doctors' appointments, how do we find the time to encourage our children, through the ups and downs of growing up, to turn to God for guidance?

In 10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting, Mimi Doe and Marsha Walch open our eyes to the spontaneous, creative, freethinking joy that characterizes a child's innate spirituality. In ten easy-to-follow chapters containing exercises and practical suggestions, the authors point out that opportunities to express spirituality are abundant in our routine life. Talking at dinner, lighting candles, performing daily chores--all of these events have the potential to be sacred moments.

Contemporary parents face unique challenges: In our media-saturated culture, children are continually exposed to violence, cynicism, and a confusing code of ethics. By offering concrete ways to help children develop positive values, Mimi Doe and Marsha Walch support parents' efforts to counteract negative messages.

10 Principles for Spiritual Parenting is an invaluable guide for parents who yearn to help their children nurture a rich spirituality of their own.Amazon.com Review
This mother-daughter team offers practical advice for parentswho wish to bring more spirituality into their parenting as well astheir children's day-to-day life. Parents, regardless of whether theybelong to an organized religion or not, report that the book has beenprofoundly inspirational. Each chapter is devoted to 1 of the 10principles of spiritual parenting and includes ruminations as well asspecific suggestions. The writing is fluid, well organized, and filledwith respect for parents and their children. In the chapter titled"Create a Flexible Structure," suggestions include: providedaily quiet time, downshift into your child's rhythms rather thanalways imposing your own, and try not to get caught up in thecompetitive rush to sign up, join in, and push harder to give yourchild a leg up on other kids. --Gail Hudson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Essential advice for parents
This book contains incredible and essential advice for parents on how to raise children to become healthy, well adjusted, compassionate human beings!!!!I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!It was definitely worth buying it!

Amazing Wisdom
Mimi Doe's wisdom is truly magnificent.In the stressful times we are living in Spiritual Parenting is more important than ever in helping our children be the best they can be.


A Moment of Peace: Relaxation for Parents AudiobookA Moment of Peace: Relaxation for Children

Too loosey goosey
I normally love books such as this one. I did not love this book. After years, I am finally finishing it. It had the potential to be great, but advice is offered in small tidbits. Lots of random quotes from kids and parents. The chapters sound cohesively organized but they are not. It's not tight, not filled with digestible nuggets. What's offered can be good, but it's a bite here and there. Nothing comprehensive. A disappointment.

Mimi Doe is an inspiration
Mrs. Doe is such an inspiration. She is my second mother, and I love her!
Even more so, she is such an amazing author. She continues to inspire my life and my familial relationship through her writing.
Thank you Mrs. Doe.

EVERYONE BUY THIS BOOK.

It will change your life.

simply wonderful
Unlike many other 'parenting books' (full of psychological recipies which make you feel bad if you don't follow their particular recommendations, each one of course holding the absolute and only truth), this one is simply wonderful, refreshing, full of practical tips and freely inspiring. I was a bit skeptical when I read in a previous review that it could also be a spiritual book even without being a parent, but yes, it is definitely full of ideas to develop spirituality into one's life, being or not a parent. I'm sixth month pregnant, finishing the book, and now I feel completely reassured about the parenting adventure which awaits me. Thank you! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
The first completely comprehensive, practical guide for recognizing, diagnosing, and overcoming any childhood reading difficulty.
According to the National Institute of Health, ten million of our nation’s children (approximately 17 percent) have trouble learning to read. While headlines warn about the nation’s reading crisis, Susan Hall (whose son was diagnosed with dyslexia) and Louisa Moats have become crusaders for action. The result of their years of research and personal experience, Parenting a Struggling Reader provides a revolutionary road map for any parent facing this challenging problem.
Acknowledging that parents often lose valuable years by waiting for their school systems to test for a child’s reading disability, Hall and Moats offer a detailed, realistic program for getting parents actively involved in their children’s reading lives. With a four-step plan for identifying and resolving deficiencies, as well as advice for those whose kids received weak instruction during the crucial early years, this is a landmark publication that promises unprecedented hope for the next generation of Information Age citizens. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Maybe it's Dyslexia?You MUST read this book!
I am a reading specialist and work with hundreds of children with reading differences.I have read every book on the market that covers topics such as dyslexia, reading disabilities and ADHD.This book is by far my very favorite book to recommend to parents.So many of the parents I work with are confused, frustrated and do not know how to start the IEP process, get their children tested for a learning disability, or find the reading program that will work for their children.Parenting a Struggling Reader explains the process for parents in an easy, step-by-step guide.The section on Orton-Gillingham is extremely useful for parents and educators, especially if they are unfamiliar with Orton-Gillingham's multi-sensory approach to reading.Dr. Moats is an expert in the field of dyslexia and has written numerous books as well as gives presentations and workshops to teachers all over the nation.This book is a must read for all parents of struggling or non-readers.

Very helpful book
Our 6 year old is struggling and the school is upset that we are hiring a reading turor! This book has been helpful to us as an introduction to the issues we are facing and has been confirming of the advise we have gotten locally.

Parenting a Struggling Reader is worth the funds expended.
Great book.Still using it on the Grand-daughter and trying to implement it one step at a time.Seems to be working.

For parents who are just starting out.
This book is best for parents just starting out in the world of reading disability. For parents that are not sure they even have a problem. You will get information on the importance of testing, how to begin the process, etc.

If your child has already been tested, if you have a plan, if you are already in contact with professionals, the entire first half of this book is superfluous. And there are other books that are more specific to actually understanding reading disabilities and dyslexia and how to overcome these issues.

This is THE book for parents beginning to suspect their child may have dyslexia
Very easy to read, and gives many recommendations for programs and books, as well as an overview of the IEP process. Its important that parents learn which programs work and which programs don't so that time is not wasted. ... Read more

Product Description
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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

I can't believe someone charges money for this
This is the silliest parenting book I've ever seen.It's two or three sentences on a page and while that is, in fact, simple, it's not groundbreaking.It's not even particularly helpful.Yes, I know I shouldn't yell and that it should only be reserved for instances of great danger for my child, how does that help me when my three year old refuses to listen?Come on, don't make me feel like a failure just because I can't refrain from arguing with another human being.Most of this stuff is common sense and what isn't is probably not realistic for 95% of parents.Sorry, I just didn't love this book

Beautiful
I'm ordering this book for my friends.It is absolutely beautiful - it states things easily and intelligently.This book gives you more information in a simple, easy format than most books do in over 100+ pages!BUY IT, you won't be sorry.

Buy it for the illustrations
I recommend buying this book for the amazing illustrations and for the pleasant reminder of the title, for the idea of it."Graceful parenting" is a great description of the way we all want to be as parents, and I think of it often as I relate to my children.I just wish the book were written more gracefully.The ideas related in the book are pretty basic and are not written as delicately or creatively as I would have expected; it's a very blunt book which could have been edited more thoroughly.Overall, though, a nice book to have on the bookshelf and to page through from time to time.

A truly beautiful book
I received this book as a gift. It is a wonderful book filled with some very straight forward wisdom for raising a loving child.This is one of those little books that parents can cherish and one day pass along to their children when their children start having children.This book is beautifully illustrated by the authors own 7 year old boy.

A gift
I loved this book.Eve Dreyfus must a beautiful person to have such a beautiful book. And her son must be just as precious.Thank you for this gift. ... Read more

Product Description
A great resource for parents struggling through the turmoil of divorce. Putting the welfare of children front and center, the book offers parents accessible ways to maintain self-safety and self-control while developing a positive new relationship as "co-parents." Recommended reading for every divorcing or divorced couple. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Parental alienation syndrome
This is an excellent resource for anyone going through a high conflict divorce. ... Read more

Product Description
Avoid custody battles -- save time, money and grief.

Working out a fair and realistic child-custody agreement is one of the most difficult tasks for parents going through a divorce or separation. Building a Parenting Agreement That Works is the only book to show separating or divorcing parents how to overcome obstacles and create win-win custody agreements.

A professional mediator, author Mimi Lyster sets out 40 issues separating parents typically face, and presents all the options to resolving them. The book walks you through all the factors you must consider, including:

Product Description
This book provides successful tools for counselors, schools, churches, universities, seminaries, foster care and adoption agencies, group homes, residential treatment facilities, juvenile probation courts, and divorce courts Join thousands upon thousands of parents around the world who are now enjoying their marriage, their children, and living in a conflict-free home. ... Read more

Product Description
Parents are supposed to be at their best when their children are at their worst. The only problem is that parents are people, too, and are susceptible to knee-jerk reactions, anger, and fears that make perfect parenting nearly impossible. But it is possible to keep your long-term parenting goals in mind, give yourself credit for what you're doing right, and most importantly, enjoy the rewards and joy of raising a child.

The Joy of Parenting is a compassionate guide for parents who sometimes feel overwhelmed-that is, all parents. The acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) skills in this book will help you develop the flexibility and mindfulness to help your child make critical transitions and gracefully move past the bumps along the way.

This guide offers practical skills-based exercises to help you:
• Handle tantrums and defiance with grace
• Refocus on big-picture values when you feel overwhelmed
• Act compassionately toward yourself when you make mistakes
• Adjust your parenting as your child works through typical developmental transitions

Customer Reviews (2)

Great!
This was a very well-written book. As a future clinician, this book provided a greater understanding of various developmental issues that should be considered when working with parents of young children. As a parent, it also provided me with practical techniques that I may use to increase the effectiveness of my own parenting! It was practical and easy to read.

An important book
This is an important book for parents and clinicians alike. Drs. Coyne and Murrell take on the vast array of challenging parenting situations and place them in a context that is compassionate, realistic, and liberating. Their approach is groundbreaking and at the same time based on many years of research and clinical experience. The concepts, exercises, and strategies presented in this book will allow you to be your best, most effective parent even when, especially when, parenting is not particularly joyful. ... Read more

Product Description
Build a relationship with your children that's so strong, nothing will sever it. From toddlerhood to teen years and beyond, you can make 'real' contact with your kids, forming an unbreakable bond that makes you the person they want to share with and gives you the opportunity to guide and counsel them in every phase of their lives.

In Parenting Is a Contact Sport, you will discover how to:

• Communicate openly with your kids and create a connection that will weather anything life throws your way
• Help your children learn from their experiences, even through the storms of adolescence, by using effective discipline
• Stay in touch with the realities of your kids' lives so you can continue to talk with them, even when they're dealing with such important issues as sex and drugs
• Increase the influence you have over their choices and behaviors so that, even when you can't be there, they use good judgment
• Develop mutual trust and respect that improves your kids' self-esteem and brings joy and laughter into your home

'Parenting Is a Contact Sport is that valuable, wisdom-packed book that is always there for you as you navigate the challenges of parenthood.' SuEllen Fried, founder of BullySafeUSA and coauthor of Bullies, Targets & Witnesses: Helping Children Break the Pain Chain ... Read more

Customer Reviews (53)

parenting children with ADD and Learning Disabilities
Dr. Stern's book is a MUST-READ for parents of ADD/LD children.These kids can push you to your limits, create havoc, if not challenging moment, in the home, and can push normally patient parents into anger, frustration and impatience.Under these circumstances it's easy for the parent/child relationship to suffer and ultimately be irreparably broken.Dr. Stern's premise is that a loving, listening and unbroken line of communication and relationship with your child is the biggest gift that you can give them.Even when a parent's worst nightmare comes true, Dr Stern presents her case as to why maintaining this special relationship between you and your child is your child's key to hope, healing and maturing.In her warm yet professional manner, gleaned from parenting an ADD daughter and being a therapist for 20 years, Dr. Stern gives you wise, practical suggestions for those "what do I do now?" situations. There are many "how to"books on the subject of helping your ADD/LD child with homework, time management, etc.Now Dr. Stern's book deals with the MOST important issue of all...that of how to maintain a supportive relationship with your child through all of the challenges they face.I highly recommend this unique book.

I highly recommend this book!
I have heard it said, many times, that it is too bad that human beings don't come with manuals. Well, it might be that this is in fact one such manual. This wonderfully informative book was written by a psychotherapist and mother, and is filled with excellent advice on how to deal with your children.

Overall, I found this book to be filled with excellent advice. I must say that I rather wish that someone had given me this book when my first child was born. The book has a lot of good advice on maintaining the kind of relationship with your children that will allow the flow of communication to continue through the good times and bad. I highly recommend this book!

A Great Hands-ON (CONTACT) Guide- buy it!!
Every chapter of this book is like chatting with your best friend, who just happens to be a PhD filled with education, wisdom, love, and life experience. Dr. Stern's specific examples- both good and bad- give you concrete ideas about parenting choices in many different settings. While this book is appropriate for any stage of parenting, it feels like a life-line when you are crashing into the teenage years, full speed ahead! This book shares stories and ideas, and reads quickly. It does not expound upon lofty theories about parenting, but jumps right into day to day issues. Do yourself (and your kids) a favor and enjoy this delightfully positive book!

Good communication skills with their children that will last throughout their lives
There are many parenting books on how to raise your children--from getting them to eat healthy foods, to getting through the difficult teenage years. But your relationships with your children doesn't just end when they turn 18. And often the relationship you built with them prior to 18, influences the relationship you have with them after. In //Parenting is a Contact Sport//, Joanne Stern uses her experiences as a psychotherapist working with parents and teens, to provide tools for parents to develop good communication skills with their children that will last throughout their lives. Easy and effective, Stern's lessons come from the families she's counseled, and have many examples that let you know that communication issues you may have with your kids aren't unique to you, but are common to the parent/child relationship. Beyond those 18 years, as you raise your kids, you'll want to continue to be a part of their lives, //Parenting is a Contact Sport// will help you do that.

A top pick for parents
Losing the connection to one's child as they grow older is a tragedy that happens all too often. "Parenting is a Contact Sport: 8 Ways to Stay Connected to Your Kids for Life" is a guide to keeping contact with one's children through their teenage years and longer. Good family bonds are vital, and good bonds depend on trust and confidence in one another. With much advice on strengthening trust between parent and child as well as fostering self-esteem, "Parenting is a Contact Sport" is a top pick for parents who want to see their babies regularly for longer than thirteen years.
... Read more

Product Description
Is it possible to raise a contented only child?Can we be happy with only one child?The answer to both of these questions is a resounding yes.

In recent years, the number of couples choosing to have one child has risen sharply. Whether it's by choice or fate, having a single child presents unique considerations, opportunities, and advantages. Social psychologist Susan Newman, who has been studying single-child families since the 1980s, shatters the myths of the lonely, spoiled only child, and provides in-depth coverage of the critical issues including:

•Making the right family size decision for you

•Withstanding the pressure to have another

•Maintaining a balance of power in a three-member household

•Single-parenting the only child

•Setting boundaries with a child who is used to having your undivided attention

•Fostering high achievement, creativity, and independence in only children

•The effects of having parents, instead of siblings, as role models

•Confronting age-old only-child stereotypes

•Building family networks and other support systems for the future

Presenting fascinating findings and family stories, Dr. Newman shares her knowledge and gives down-to-earth advice, making this the most accessible, up-to-date handbook of its kind. For couples who are already raising an only child, or for those who are exploring the option, Parenting an Only Child offers encouraging clarity and singular insight. Now with a new resource section.


... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Could be a valuable read for some, but not a great parenting book
This is an okay read. I agree with other commenters who've said that it's mostly a book about making the choice (or coming to peace with not having a choice) to have only one child.If you're looking for a book about specific techniques for parenting an only, this book will probably be a waste of your time.

The first section dispels the century-old myths about only children being spoiled, lonely, lacking social skills, etc., and backs it up with research. This section alone is worth the price of the book for the wealth of ammunition is gives you when people criticize you for not giving your only child the "benefits" of a sibling.

The second section is a fairly superficial and at times contradictory survey of parenting advice geared towards parents of onlies. For example, on one page the author suggests that parents of onlies shouldn't play with them too much, and a few pages later says exactly the opposite.I've done a lot of reading on parenting philosophies, and this section came across as disjointed and not well-thought-out in comparison.It's not research-based, or even grounded in any particular philosophy of parenting, but reads like a collection of anecdotes about what worked and didn't for some families.Skip it altogether, or just skim it.

The third section is intended to help people make their decision to stop at one (or come to terms with it if you didn't get a choice), and it's mostly helpful. There were lots of things that made me roll my eyes (like the author's assertion that it just isn't possible for a parent to love multiple children equally and with as much intensity as they can love one -- I only have one and that sounds like BS to me), but like with most things, you take what works for you and leave the rest.

Only ok
Well, I don't recommend this book. It jumps all over the place and the research is not clear. It just picks and chooses a few nice stories. If you can, just read it at the library if you are curious. It doesn't have depth to it and it seems geared towards moms who work and just don't want more kids to take care of. What if you want only one child or can only have one and you are a Stay at Home Mom? This is not for you. It has a few good phrases. Otherwise it just is like reading opinions of a few people. Get the book The Seven Common Sins of Parenting an Only Child by Carolyn White. That book is much better.

the most boring and poorly written parenting book I've ever come across yet...
Sadly, this has got to be the most boring, poorly written, least inspired, parenting book I have yet to come across. At least 80% of the writing in this book consists of quotes from parents the author interviewed at the playground-- her friends and relatives, I suspect. If you're looking for insightful comments or suggestions on raising your only child, you won't find them here. The author is much more interested in justifying her choice to have had only one child. Why she should have the need to preach to the converted, should be obvious to anyone who bothers to read this. Only those who doubt the validity of their choice to have an only child, and feel the need to have their choices reaffirmed need to bother plowing through this long, tedious, repetitious, pointless, ...well you get the point...

'Parenting' was a big help in making our decision!
Dr. Newman's book helped us decide to stop growing our family. It addressed many of the concerns that we had about raising our daughter without a brother or sister! In particular her parenting tips for raising our six-year-old seem to be working really well. We highly recommend Parenting an Only Child for anyone on the fence about going for number two or wanting wise and sensible advice for parenting their only.

total waste of time
I married an only child and together we have an only child, so I thought this book would be a good support for raising one, but it's not.The author is only interested in promoting career oriented working women, and their husbands, who don't want to sacrifice any more of their time than they have to.There's basically nothing in the book about loving and raising an only child.There are plenty of opinions stated as fact and a subtle push to erase the traditional definition of marriage and family. ... Read more

Product Description
The ultimate resource for separated and divorced parents, written by an internationally acclaimed expert on divorce and its impact on children.

This comprehensive and empowering guide is filled with practical, effective ways to minimize the effects of divorce on children, and offers immediate solutions to the most critical parenting problems divorce brings. In this go-to resource, Christina McGhee addresses the issues of utmost importance to parents:

• How and when to tell the children about the divorce

• Guiding children through transition

•Helping children cope with having two homes

•Dealing with finances

•Managing a difficult relationship with an ex

•And more

Offering advice on explaining things to every age group-from toddlers to teenagers-in plain, consistent, and age-appropriate terms, Parenting Apart also offers practical suggestions for parents to help them maintain their own sense of stability and take care of their own well-being while taking care of their kids. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Must-Have Resource for Families of Divorce
Christina McGhee's knowledge and practical advice is amazing.Instead of just trying to "get through" such a difficult life change, Christina helps families THRIVE, find the positive and make family adjustments less stressful.Tons of realistic and usable tips for all families members ranging from dealing with finances to breaking the news to kids; communicating with your ex-spouse to children living out of two homes; and taking care of yourself to strengthening family bonds.She covers it all!This is the perfect resource for anyone coping with Divorce. ... Read more

Product Description
We live in a chaotic and often unpredictable world, so it's only natural for you and your child to have anxieties. But seeing your child cry, cling to you, or even use aggression to avoid his or her own fears and worries may cause you to worry even more, trapping both of you in a cycle of anxiety and fear.

You can interrupt this cycle with the proven-effective mindfulness and acceptance skills taught in this book. Drawn from acceptance and commitment therapy, Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance offers a new way to think about your child's anxiety, as well as a set of techniques used by child psychologists to help children as young as four let go of anxious feelings and focus instead on relationships with friends, learning new things in school, and having fun. You'll learn these techniques, use them when you feel anxious, and teach them to your child. With practice, you both will let go of anxious feelings and your child will find the confidence to enjoy being a kid. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Doesn't Practice What He Preaches!!
My 12 year old son had been on a downward spiral with behavior problems for about 2 years.Nothing terrible, but just constantly being obnoxious in class that he now is in full time special ed.My son has a complete circle of support with his family.We asked for help from a family friend who had a Phd in Education who first pointed us to a Behavior Psychologist for a series of 10 meetings, she then recommended, after that, we take our son to ABCD INC, where Dr. McCurry practices, which she thought would be the ideal conclusion to help point my boy in the right direction.We saw Dr McCurry approximately 3 times.In that time that he got to know my son, he told us at the end of our second meeting that he is going to help us, but it will be pretty intense and my wife and I had better be on board with this or else we won't go forward.We promised him we were on board, excited that after two years we'll finally have someone to help us with our child.At this point, he is going through a VERY difficult time in his life, being rejected by previous friends who see his position in school at present.On our third, and final, trip to Dr. MuCurry's office we excitedly told him we were ready to do whatever it was that we can do with our son.His advice after that to my wife and I was to foster my son out to a foster family!!??!!! Does that really sound like a Professional?Does it sound like anything in his book was applied? I'm sorry, I love my son too much to "foster him out!" It tears me up because he has a son my age, and I'm pretty sure the thought of sending his son off to stranger hasn't entered his mind, yet he'll freely tell me this, no problem. It has been nine months since his "expert" advice and I am now just coming to terms with this.So think what you will about this book, I would never take ANY advice from this man, he is TERRIBLE!!!

Max's mom
Chris McCurry offers a clear, understandable approach to dealing with an anxious child.As a parent, all I have ever wanted was for my son to grow up capable of leading a fulfilling life, being able to deal with his anxiety and control his anger.McCurry's analogy of "the dance" was particularly helpful in breaking patterns that weren't working, and giving me practical steps to change my behavior in order to help my son.Thank you!

Excellent resource for parents of Anxious children
Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance allowed me to look at my child's anxiety differently and consider alternate approaches. It encourages you to look at the anxious behaviors and reactions of your child and the "dance" that develops between you as a parent and your child. The "dance" is a familiar pattern and cycle that you develop as well as your own anxieties and often it is not effective. This book encourages us to break the cycle and develop improved communication, confidence and self-control in our children.

There is much information on the definition and diagnosis of anxiety as well as many examples of different children and how the ACT approach can be used. There are also exercises to try on your own with guidance as to how to do so. This is the kind of book that has thorough explanations and tools and exercises to apply. I would suggest reading it in chapters and taking your time thinking about the sections and even taking notes to refer to. It can be studied alone or complemented with therapy from a psychologist who understands and implements this approach. This is a gentle and loving approach to anxiety and does encourage you as a parent to look at alternatives to the cycle and avoid the anxiety "dance".

Excellent tool for parents and grandparents!
I really appreciate the balance Dr. McCurry strikes between important diagnostic information and practical, easy exercises that parents, grandparents and caregivers can use to overcome anxious behavior.It's empowering to learn how small, conscious choices we make can lead to positive changes in our children and our lives.

Highly recommended to parent and professional
I very much recommend this text not only for parents but also treating professionals seeking to apply mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy to anxiety in children (and their parents!). This targeting of the parent's anxiety in dealing with the anxiety behaviour of their children is a strength of the text. Mindfulness is utilised to increase awareness of both child and parent anxiety-related behaviour (the anxiety "dance"), and active consideration of life values is utilised to guide and motivate appropriate responding. Many other strategies and insights are included to promote management of anxiety and deliver responsive and helpful parenting.

Dr Geoff Hatten
Clinical Psychologist
Coral Tree Family Service
Sydney Australia

... Read more

Product Description
Being a parent is challenging enough. Being a single parent can seem downright impossible—until now. Drawing on material from his successful Single Parenting That Works curriculum guide and video series, America's favorite parenting expert, Dr. Kevin Leman, brings help and hope to the legions of single parents struggling to raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted children in a loving, caring and biblically grounded way. Using his trademark quirky, no-nonsense approach, Dr. Leman shows parents how to build healthy, mature relationships with their former spouses, how to develop their children's self-esteem, and how to discipline and relate to their kids in accordance with their unique God-given personalities.

Features:

• Building stability for your children by getting your own life in order.
• How forgiveness opens the door to healthy relationships
• Learning to deal with your "ex" with an olive branch rather than a hammer
• Dating and remarriage
• Helping your child thrive in a single parent home

Customer Reviews (7)

Helpful, As Far As It Goes
This is a well-written book from the "birth-order guy", Kevin Leman. I've read several of his other books and I enjoy his writing style. You'll enjoy reading this book.

Having said that, I think there are better single-parenting resources available elsewhere. Look around here on Amazon for other titles and compare the reviews. My personal favorite is "Raising Great Kids On Your Own" which was just recommended by Focus on the Family. It's available here on Amazon also.

Kevin Leman is a smart, accomplished counselor and author: this book is worth the price. Meanwhile look around and compare other titles. If you're a busy single mom on a budget, spend wisely!

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, CA
I also highly recommend:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Hope for single parents
Dr. Leman is very down-to-earth with his advice on how single parents can create a great environment for children even without both parents.Although both parents are ideal, it's not ideal for all situations, and this book gives hope for those who were without it.

dumped and rejected? guilt-laden? take heart!
as a single-mom-to-be, this book has been invaluable in telling me mostly what i already know and a lot of what i need to hear anyway. ladies (and gentlemen), give it a read. it will make you laugh, cry and feel grateful--that even though he (or she) was not ready for children, didn't "want" this particular child, or just didn't feel "into" parenting right now--you CAN find faith in yourself--that YOU did the right thing or are doing the right thing. and, in the end, "adversity will make you bitter or better" (p. 21). i have to believe that adversity will make both me and my son better people. this book has really helped me see that i always had everything right in front of me anyway--and now i have jack, too--and even better--he has me.

LOVE this!
Bob, your review makes me frustrated because it's obvious to me that even though you might have walked away with "tidbits" you missed the MAJOR underlying message that is so essential that Dr. Leman is trying to get us to understand. The message is that the OPPOSITE parent has such a role in shaping their children that a bond can be created that the little girl WILL feel comfortable asking him about a bra--that's the WHOLE point. You seem to forget that the single parent is the ONLY parent that child has, so of course, by using the principles in this book that child will feel comfortable in asking absolutely everything. As a sidebar, as a university professor who uses Dr. Leman's materials in three of the classes that I teach for my graduate students. I use his materials because they are well documented and his bibliography is extensive.

Pick out the good and throw away the rest.
This book had several good tidbits of information to help any single parent.I'm happy to have read it, however there are many opinions of Kevin Leman's that are not backed by facts.I would advise anyone who reads this book to pay attention to the practical advice, but ignore the opinions - some of which lead me to question the sanity of the writer - such as "boys should live with moms and girls are better off with dads."I don't think he'd be saying that if he had a little girl ask him to go bra shopping or bring up the topic of menstruation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

All parents divorcing should read this!
This book is GREAT.I recommend it to everyone who is thinking about or in the process of a divorce, you can't imagine how much it will help you re-think how you handle things.

Counseling
My husband counsels divorcing couples with minor children.He always appreciates any information to aide him in this mission work.

Now in a revised and updated second edition.
Forensic psychologist and high-conflict divorce specialist Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D. presents Parenting After Divorce: Resolving Conflicts and Meeting Your Children's Needs, now in a revised and updated second edition. Grounded firmly in real-life experience rather than overly idealistic assumptions, Parenting After Divorce covers how to amicably share custody, the importance of keeping the child out of the middle of conflict, the need to take care of oneself (or else one will be in no shape to look after children), dealing with the courts, and much more. Real-world examples help to clarify the key points discussed in this highly accessible and enthusiastically recommended advice guide for divorced parents everywhere.
... Read more

Product Description
The Active Parenting Now Parent's Guide is the brand-new(2002) revision of the Active Parenting Today Parent's Guide.Thisbook is designed to help parents of children ages 5-12 learn to raiseresponsible, cooperative children who are prepared to meet thechallenges of the teen years. Dr Popkin also explains the use ofpositive, non-violent discipline and communication techniques thathelp families avoid power struggles. Millions of parents have usedthis "active" approach to raise courageous, cooperative children. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Parenting
I am a grandmother.I brought my children up using spankings.It is nice to learn other methods of discipline.

Brought to life with a professional cast of actors
Active Parenting Now is an unabridged audiobook on CD meant especially for parents of rambunctious children ages 5 to 12. Teaching communication and non-violent discipline, and outlining its principles in dialogues brought to life with a professional cast of actors, Active Parenting Now is an excellent and highly commended resource that can be conveniently listened to at home, in the office, or while driving.4 CDs, 296 minutes. ... Read more