Customer Reviews

Beyond Sibling Rivalry: How To Help Your Children Become Cooperative, Caring and Compassionate

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The book jacket claims content to be a "groundbreaking look at sibling rivalry". But with subjects like "recognize and highlight each child's unique abilities and interests" and "use rewards and praise to encourage your children to be more cooperative", the book fell way short of my expectations for new or groundbreaking ideas.

Although not alluded to in the title, the book "Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles" by Mary Sheedy Krucinka also addresses many sibling issues by helping families understand each other's temperament and communicate more effectively. A favorite section shows how to say or do things differently to avoid enraging others (i.e. a child who transitions easily may announce he's done playing and move on to the next game...leaving the slower-to-transition playmate in tears or outraged because there was no warning). She also offers tips to help children change their "bulldozing statements" (often button-pushing ones like "I'm not inviting you to my party!" or "Shut up!") into statements that persuade others to listen ("I didn't like what you said" or "I'd like a choice"). I'd recommend that book or "Siblings Without Rivalry" by Faber & Mizlash instead of "Beyond Sibling Rivalry".

What I really like about Beyond Sibling Rivalry is that the examples in the book really hit home. Peter Goldenthal's suggestions were quite easy to follow. In the past week I have used some of his suggestions and I've noticed what a difference they make. Our children have been so much more helpful and nice to each other. It's a joy to watch! I recommend this book to every parent. It's probably the only parenting book you will ever need to read.

When I read the chapter about predictable and preventable sibling conflicts, the author wrote as if he had placed a camera in our home. So many of the situations were familiar to me. This book is an easy read for a busy mom, and the suggestions have been right on target.

This book not only gave me insight into my kids' relationships, but continues to help me to be the kind of parent I want to be. It's full of practical advice and I have seen quick results after applying what I learned. I am buying a few copies to give to friends with more than one child. Also a great gift idea for someone pregnant with a second child.

I found this book to be very helpful, and written in a clear, easy-to-read style. The author gave me a clear understanding of how to love each of my children "best". After reading this book the first time, I immediately put into practice many of the author's suggestions and saw immediate improvement in our family. I plan to read the book a second time, with a highlighter in hand, to really "digest" all of the helpful information. I am recommending this book to any of my friends or family who are going to have more than one child.

I quickly read and reread this book. Now I am outlining it for handier reference. The suggestions-how to deal with parent child and self labelled "roles" in the family situation were excellent. The cartoon examples showing what we sometimes do and what we can do "instead" when fighting occurs between siblings were to the point as well.