Calm and Compassionate Children: A Handbook [Paperback]

Susan Dermond (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2007

Building on such inherent qualities as openheartedness and trust, parents and teachers can help children develop empathy and integrity as they grow and mature. From nature activities to conscious quiet time to tips on daily routines, CALM AND COMPASSIONATE CHILDREN provides practical guidance to help grown-ups model behavior and suggests dozens of activities to foster children's joy, wonder, kindness, and love.

 A parents' and teachers' guide to developing children's concentration, self-discipline, and compassion, as well as heartfelt qualities like openness and enthusiasm.Includes more than 90 techniques and exercises drawn from the author's experiences as a teacher and director of the Living Wisdom School, a nonprofit elementary school that emphasizes nonsectarian spiritual principles and practical skills for living.Recommends books, music, games, and other resources to help grown-ups nurture calm and compassionate kids.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Drawing on her extensive experience in education, Dermond provides practical tips on how to gently help a child develop the sort of positive, well-grounded demeanor that will serve him or her well for a lifetime."-Energy Times

"Dermond, director of the Living Wisdom School in Oregon, encourages readers to soothe the long-term effects of overexcitement and agitation plaguing children by creating calming environments, exploring nature and music, reading aloud, and modeling nurturing behavior. ...This is like a starter kit to help balance life's busyness with oases of literal (and figurative) silence."-Library Journal

 

Listen to Susan Dermond's interview with Parents Journal

From the Publisher

* A parents' and teachers' guide to developing children's concentration, self-discipline, and compassion, as well as heartfelt qualities like openness and enthusiasm. * Includes more than 90 techniques and exercises drawn from the author's experiences as a teacher and director of the Living Wisdom School, a nonprofit elementary school that emphasizes nonsectarian spiritual principles and practical skills for living. * Recommends books, music, games, and other resources to help grown-ups nurture calm and compassionate kids.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Celestial Arts; 1 edition (March 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587612763
• ISBN-13: 978-1587612763
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 0.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Thumbs Up From The Magazine To Inspire Conscious Parenting & Empowered Kids, March 31, 2007

By 

Wendy Garrido "Editor, North Star Family Matt... (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Calm and Compassionate Children: A Handbook (Paperback)

I picked up the book yesterday and couldn't put it down. As publisher of a magazine to inspire conscious parenting and empowered kids, this book reminded me of the importance of helping kids settle down, breath, and connect to the world (and people) around them. It's full practical steps to apply in everyday life but what keeps the pages turning are the personal stories she relates. Some ideas we've heard over and over, such as using breath, movement or touch to soothe, but they serve as great reminders to put them back into our lives. Others are innovative, fun, and simple, such as giving your toddler two nickels to hold on to (one for each hand) to distract them while making a quick stop. Without giving too much away, the book offered a reminder that the way things are isn't necesarily the way they have to be. It IS possible for four 10-year-old boys to be kind, compassionate and gentle with a 4-year-old boy who interrupts their game. Empathy is essential for two humans to connect and understand one another. Empathy is what is lacking within families and in world politics. We started our magazine because we know that it is children who determine the future of the world. With conscious parenting and the ideas presented in this book, our kids have a hope for a more peaceful personal life and world situation.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC BOOK!, February 1, 2008

By 

susanne - See all my reviews

This review is from: Calm and Compassionate Children: A Handbook (Paperback)

I have never written a review for amazon before, but feel compelled to do so now because this book is so wonderful. It is the best of its genre that I have read (and I read a LOT of parenting books). There are many wonderful suggestions on how to make your children's lives more calm and peaceful. It is perfect for all ages and all religions. The author is also fantastic- I emailed her for an outline for a study group based on the book, and she responded immediately! I always get my books from the library, but I refer to this so frequently (and can see myself doing so for years to come) that I am buying it!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A joyous child is possible!!, February 26, 2007

By 

Tim Hickey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Calm and Compassionate Children: A Handbook (Paperback)

Susan's beautiful new book arrives to our communities during a time of pressing need for a positive new vision for our children. Her gifts to the reader are many and deep. Susan provides a clear presentation of what our children can accomplish in life and she gives us - parents, teachers, friends, administrators, healers, spiritual leaders - many helpful & easy tips and steps to take. This book is like a calm lake that nourishes us and holds our lives during chaotic and confusing time. Susan teaches us to swim anew and we in turn can teach and support our children with compassion, clarity, intelligence and joy. Thank you Susan!