Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child : Breakthrough Discipline Techniques that Work -- for Children Age 2 to 10 [Paperback]

Cristine Chandler (Author), Laura McGrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2004

A smart, easy-to-implement, and unique approach to positive disciplining

Drawing on her highly successful methods developed in her private practice, Dr. Cristine Chandler lays out clear, step-by-step instructions to help parents foster good behavior in their children based on the positive premise: that children behave well when they understand clearly what is expected of them.

Most discipline problems occur when parents are inconsistent about what they expect. Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child shows parents how to implement the "4Cs" of discipline in their daily practice: use clear, consistent, contingent consequences. Moreover, in this concise, straightforward book, Dr. Chandler challenges several commonly used approaches to discipline and provides alternatives. She shows parents:

• Why punishment is often the least effective way to discipline children
• Why anger never works
• Why "time-out" works only sometimes--and what to do instead
• How to use consequences to encourage--and get--good behavior

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Praise for Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child

"An invaluable resource for parents in their attempts to find the most effective ways of disciplining their children."
--Robert Brooks, Ph.D., faculty, Harvard Medical School, and author of Raising Resilient Children

"Cristine Chandler has developed an easy-to-read, step-by-step approach that will make you pause before trying time-out and other time-honored but ineffective techniques of discipline."
--Myrna Shure, Ph.D., author of Raising a Thinking Child and Thinking Parent, Thinking Child

"An informative and easy-to-read guide for parents. The four Cs to discipline offer a clear strategy for raising well-behaved and resilient children."
--Nicholas Long, Ph.D., Professor of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and coauthor of Parenting a Strong-Willed Child

Shouting, talking back, hitting, and slamming doors are not unusual behaviors for small children, but they don't have to be a way of life either. Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child is based on the positive premise that children behave well when they understand clearly what is expected of them and are held accountable. Here you'll discover:

• How to encourage your child to turn desirable behaviors into regular habits
• How to discourage your child from repeating unwanted behaviors
• When and why certain discipline techniques work (or fail to work)
• The Cool Down technique, and why it's more effective than Time Out
• The four Cs of discipline: clear, consistent, contingent, consequences

About the Author

Cristine Chandler, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of experience. Her private practice focuses on families and children, and about half of her clients come to her to address discipline issues. She lives in Philadelphia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (April 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071435751
• ISBN-13: 978-0071435758
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #218,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Techniques that Work!, July 20, 2004

By 

Anne "Busy Mom" (Annapolis, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child : Breakthrough Discipline Techniques that Work -- for Children Age 2 to 10 (Paperback)

As the mother of four-year-old twin boys, this book was really helpful to me. I was very frustrated by how often I found myself yelling at my children, not to mention upset by how often they yelled back at me! This book offered an alternative to all that anger, and helped my to change the way I interact with my kids. The book explains four basic concepts for disciplining children--and how to apply them in the real world. In some of her examples, I could swear she was in my living room, describing my family; it was very real, and therefore very helpful. I also appreciated that the book was to the point, and did not go on and on. I don't have a lot of time to read about parenting, I'm too busy doing it. And this book was very valuable in terms of giving me more ways to be a better parent.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4 Weeks to a Better Behaved Child, May 11, 2004

By 

Lisa T. Guyer (Wyndmoor, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child : Breakthrough Discipline Techniques that Work -- for Children Age 2 to 10 (Paperback)

I can't tell you the difference this book has made in our lives in not even four weeks! Within two days of finishing the book, my son was not only better behaved, but my husband and I were changing the way we responded to him and our other children. This book not only reenforces things you know, but may not always remember to use, but also teaches simple new ideas about discipline and childrens behavior. Focusing on the positive and praising "expected behaviors" has made a huge difference in all of our lives! I highly recommend this book! You will see a difference in your childrens behavior AND in yourself in no time!!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, Practical and Effective Advice for Every Parent, May 14, 2004

By 

JoAnne Pedro-Carroll, Ph.D (Rochester, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Four Weeks to a Better-Behaved Child : Breakthrough Discipline Techniques that Work -- for Children Age 2 to 10 (Paperback)

Dr. Chandler's book provides a clear, compassionate and empowering message to parents about how they can foster their children's positive behavior and healthy development. Based on sound research and theory but written in a delightfully clear and engaging way, this book is a much needed guiding light for all parents, practitioners, and anyone who works with children. The "four Cs" of discipline described in the book are key ingredients for raising responsible, well adjusted children. Dr. Chandler's book is filled with wisdom and positive alternatives to anger and punishment that is sure to help parents and children have more positive exchanges, fewer power struggles, and ultimately result in healthier family realtionships. As a psychologist working for the past 25 years with children and families, I highly recommend this book as a "must read" for every parent and anyone who cares about children's well-being. This book is a gift that is filled with enduring wisdom for current parents and future generations.