Great Parenting Books. . .An Occasional Series

The first parenting book that I read, How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by  Adele Faber & Elaine Maslish, is one that I discovered in a used book store when I was just beginning to work with children (long before I became a parent). It caught my eye, I bought it, and it has had a deep impact on me ever since.

This little book is accessible, interesting, practical and full of simple truths. If you haven't already discovered this book, do yourself a favor and get it right away! It's an easy-to-read mixture of stories, cartoons, and teachings.

Here's a useful nugget from the book:
“Some children can tell you why they’re frightened, angry, or unhappy. For many, however, the question “Why?” only adds to their problem. In addition to their original distress, they must now analyze the cause and come up with a reasonable explanation. Very often children don’t know why they feel as they do. At other times they’re reluctant to tell because they fear that in the adult’s eyes their reason won’t seem good enough. (“For that you’re crying?”) It’s much more helpful for an unhappy youngster to hear, “I see something is making you sad,” rather than to be interrogated with “What happened?” or “Why do you feel that way?” It’s easier to talk to a grown-up who accepts what you’re feeling rather than one who presses you for explanations.”

And another wonderful passage:
“To Engage a Child’s Cooperation 1. DESCRIBE WHAT YOU SEE, OR DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM. “There’s a wet towel on the bed.” 2. GIVE INFORMATION. “The towel is getting my blanket wet.” 3. SAY IT WITH A WORD. “The towel!” 4. DESCRIBE WHAT YOU FEEL. “I don’t like sleeping in a wet bed!” 5. WRITE A NOTE. (above towel rack) Please put me back so I can dry.           Thanks!           Your Towel” 

Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish also have several other wonderful parenting books--Siblings Without Rivalry, and How to Talk So Your Teen Will Listen are two of my favorites.  Follow this link to see more.

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