4 stars (Very good info/advice; I need 1 step more.) - The authors have solid, reasonable advice for parents; tools which work with children of strong-willed OR compliant temperaments. That has got to be invaluable for parents trying to raise both in the same home. All of the insights seemed valid and I saw nothing to contradict what I know of early childhood development and age-appropriate expectations. If you are needing help within your family, this book is excellent.
My only disappointment is that it does NOT give any advice for me as a parent on how to help my child function in environments where the adults in authority do not have these skills. (Relatives often say, "He doesn't listen to anyone but you." I can tell them they need to give CLEAR, FIRM limits and FOLLOW THROUGH, but it doesn't do much good.) The book does suggest sharing the info in the book with teachers, relatives, etc. But parents can never ensure that teachers, relatives, coaches, and other adult leaders will have or use these skills. I'd like to help my child learn to cooperate anyway UNLESS there is a moral reason not to. (I am a big advocate of questioning or even defying authority when compliance violates your moral principles. But to constantly question or defy simply because you can is innappropriate and often dangerous.) There are times when it would be in my child's best interests to cooperate with an authority even though he/she does not set clear, firm, respectful boundaries. I hope the authors will go one more step and write something to help my strong-willed child (and I) deal with the rest of the world.
5 stars (A fabulous, practical guide!) - My husband and I both read this book for help with understanding our "strong willed" 5 year old, and the techniques work so well that it has amazed us. I would recommend this book to anyone with children because it provides great, easy tips for understanding and communicating with your children.
5 stars (Wonderfully educational) - This book clearly depicts patterns that parents show their children daily that promotes their childrens misbehavior. Very insightful book, I would recommend to any parent with a strong willed child. |
