It's Never Too Soon: A Low-Stress Program That Shows Parents How to Teach Good Behavior That Will Last a Lifetime [Hardcover]

Ruth Peters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1998

A savvy, straightforward collection of advice that assures parents that they--not their kids--should be in the driver's seat and shows them how to make it happen, without guilt or unnecessary conflict.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her latest book, child psychologist Peters (Don't Be Afraid to Discipline) turns her attention to managing children ages six years and under. While serving up her familiar stance on discipline, Peters softens her tone a bit for the younger set. As in previous books, she urges parents to offer consequences that are immediate, important, predictable and calmly given. Though her behavior management system?much of which involves a simple smiley-face chart?can't effectively be implemented until a child is about three years old, she advocates the use of consistently applied structure much earlier (at nap, feeding, and bed times, for instance), and, unlike many other experts, advises the use of a reward system. Rewards, however, should be reasonable, practical and easy for parents to use, such as a board game played with a parent, a small treat, an extra book at bedtime or a poker chip that can later be traded for money or an activity. Peters's plan for these years is less convoluted than the poker-chip method she promotes for use with older kids, and she more readily accommodates for deviations here and there (e.g., an extra smiley face is allowed in certain circumstances). Also included are chapters on behavior management for developmental issues (such as sleep and meals), social issues (such as fears or self-esteem), socially inappropriate behaviors (biting, lying, etc.) and for kids with attention deficit disorder.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Golden Books Publishing Company (August 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307440028
• ISBN-13: 978-0307440020
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,026,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Advice!, March 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: It's Never Too Soon: A Low-Stress Program That Shows Parents How to Teach Good Behavior That Will Last a Lifetime (Hardcover)

Dr. Peters offers no-nonsense, down to earth solutions to some tough parenting questions. Through practical advice, she shows how stern and loving discipline is the key to happy, healthy, and well behaved children! Not to mention sane parents! She points out the manipulative tactics that young children use with great success and the ineffective parenting styles that fail to nip these behaviors in the bud. Dr. Peters offers a behavior management system with clear and fair rules that are connect to solid consequences and rewards. In addition, she teaches how to apply the rules without your child even being aware they are being disciplined! I am so glad that I found this book! It has truly been a life-saver!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical advice that works!, April 5, 2000

By 

Jen Singer "Author, You're a Good Mom (and Yo... (Kinnelon, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It's Never Too Soon: A Low-Stress Program That Shows Parents How to Teach Good Behavior That Will Last a Lifetime (Hardcover)

I implemented Dr. Peters' "Smiley Face System" just last week, and I've seen dramatic changes in my son's behavior already. This book has been a great help in my efforts to change the behavior of my three year-old. Both he and I are happier because of it.