Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down [Hardcover]

Kevin Leman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995

A guide to imparting self-esteem in developing children explores why self-image is so important, how to build self-esteem by encouragement, the four key causes of misbehavior, and how to discipline. 40,000 first printing. $40,000 ad/promo.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It's possible to raise happy, self-confident children while also letting them know you're the boss, stresses Leman ( Keeping Your Family Together When the World Is Falling Apart ) in this parenting guide. He explains why self-image is so vital to children, as well as how to provide them with "image insurance" that will last a lifetime, starting with the "A-B-C's" of self-worth (acceptance, belonging, confidence). Leman argues that parents can help kids learn responsibility and build self-esteem through encouragement rather than praise, action rather than words, and natural consequences rather than punishment ("If you miss dinner again, you won't get any when you get home"). He also discusses four causes of misbehavior--the need to gain attention, assert control, avoid pressure and seek revenge--and shows how these can be contained. While Leman does not generally condone corporal punishment, he does advocate spanking (one or two swats on the backside) as a last resort. Anecdotes from his own experience as a father illustrate his points and warm the book. The last portion is an extensive question-and-answer section about toddlers, chidlren over five and adolescents. Author tour.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Leman, author of Keeping Your Family Together When the World Is Falling Apart ( LJ 2/15/92), here offers practical advice on raising children to be an integral part of the family while keeping their self-esteem intact and healthy. He advocates the use of reality discipline, where the consequences of actions become the teaching tool. Along with love, security, and family values, reality discipline builds a child's self-image and provides a good start toward becoming a responsible, happy adult, Leman claims. Good writing and numerous anecdotes keep his text lively. Each chapter ends with a "Words To Remember" and "Actions To Try" section for easy reference. The final section is written in a question-and-answer format, grouped according to the child's age. This book is recommended as a useful addition to most parenting collections.
- Lisa J. Cochenet, Rhinelander Dist. Lib., Wis.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: W Pub Group; Supersaver edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9071676153
• ISBN-13: 978-9071676154
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,617,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Kevin Leman, an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker, has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. The best-selling and award-winning author has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television programs, including "The View" with Barbara Walters, "The Today Show," "Oprah," CBS's "The Early Show," "Live with Regis Philbin," CNN's "American Morning," and "LIFE Today" with James Robison, and he has served as a contributing family psychologist to "Good Morning America." He is the founder and president of Couples of Promise, an organization designed and committed to helping couples remain happily married. Dr. Leman is also a charter faculty member of iQuestions.com. He has written over 30 best-selling books about marriage and family issues, including "The Birth Order Book" and "Sheet Music: Uncovering the Secrets of Sexual Intimacy in Marriage." Dr. Leman and his wife, Sande, live in Tucson. They have five children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for finding a balance between love and limits., July 22, 1999

By 

Holly B. Carroccio "hollyc" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down How To Raise Confident, Successful Children (Paperback)

Dr. Leman presents a well thought out guide for helping develop proper discipline techniques, nurturing a child's self esteem, and teaching children how to grow into responsible, healthy adults. He gives specific ideas for handling challenges in "real world" situations. He even points out mistakes he has made and talks about things that have worked or not worked with his own kids.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! Worth every penny and more., May 30, 2000

By 

Hans C. Zetzer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down How To Raise Confident, Successful Children (Paperback)

Dr. Kevin Leman does an excellent job describing how to raise our kids while building thier independence and self image. He gives pratical examples and a useful list of home responsibilites for a wide range of ages. If you have kids you got to read this book. I am only sorry I did not read it earlier.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advice makes sense, December 6, 2001

By 

KareninMS "karenann33" (Southaven, MS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bringing Up Kids Without Tearing Them Down How To Raise Confident, Successful Children (Paperback)

I love this book. I have many parenting books and this one is by far my favorite. The advice on discipline is priceless--no yelling or getting into major debates with your children. I have already used several of the suggestions with my niece and it has worked like a charm. Buy this book!!