115 of 117 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life changing! A "must have" book for all parents!, June 15, 2001
This review is from: Kid Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagging, and Pleading and Get Kids to Cooperate (Paperback)
Parenting would have to be the most difficult (yet rewarding!) job in the world. Of all parenting challenges, discipline is probably at the top of most parents' list. Every parent wants to raise kids who are responsible and caring people. But HOW on earth are we supposed to achieve this? Often the only blueprint we have for discipline comes from our own parents, and involves methods such as spanking and shouting, which are neither effective nor respectful to children.
Thank goodness for Elizabeth Pantley and her wonderful book Kid Cooperation: How to stop yelling, nagging and pleading and get kids to cooperate! I must admit to being somewhat sceptical when I come across claims such as those in this book title. "If it sounds too good to be true then it probably is", rings in my ears. However, I am DELIGHTED to be able to say that this book not only lives up these claims but MORE.
In Kid Cooperation, Elizabeth Pantley shares parenting skills that are LIFE CHANGING! I do not say that lightly! This book will change your life! The wonderful thing is that the skills outlined are easy to learn and implement, they actually WORK, and probably most importantly in my opinion, they are kind to and respectful of children. Elizabeth's style is very readable, positive and not at all preachy. She allows you to determine areas needing improvement in a way that leaves you feeling both hopeful and positive.
The first chapter comprises a quiz to determine your current discipline style. Are you permissive, democratic, balanced or autocratic? (I erred on the "too democratic" side!) The good news is that, whatever your current style, you CAN find help in this wonderful book.
The remaining chapters contain the gems of wisdom which fulfil the claims on the front cover! Chapter 2 teaches the keys to successful parenting - take charge; think; when you say it, mean it; use skill. Chapter 3 covers cooperation and how to achieve it in your home. Chapter 4 discusses punishment versus discipline. Chapter 5 teaches ways to build your child's self-esteem. Chapter 6 is all about sibling relationships. Chapter 7 deals with parent anger. Chapter 8 discusses ways to look after yourself and the relationship with your parenting partner. Chapter 9 consists of some common discipline questions with several suggestions on how to deal effectively with each. Each chapter ends with a very helpful "reminder page", which can be copied and placed in appropriate spots around the home. This really makes learning the new skills manageable!
Throughout the book, examples of situations and dialogue (some from the author's own family experiences) make understanding easy. Many readers will see themselves and their kids in the examples (I know I did!) Elizabeth makes it simple to identify ineffective parenting AND to replace it with techniques that actually WORK. I have personally used many of the skills taught in this book with my own child and am thrilled to report the improvement in harmony in our household. Some examples which have been particularly useful to us are the "5-3-1-go" (when leaving a playground for example), making objects talk (great for things like teeth cleaning time!), and using happy faces and sad faces on a daily chart.
I thoroughly recommend this book! My ONLY complaint is that I didn't get it when my child was younger!
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88 of 90 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must-Read for ALL Parents!, January 17, 2005
This review is from: Kid Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagging, and Pleading and Get Kids to Cooperate (Paperback)
I wish someone had given me this book when I was pregnant with my two sons. This is a book I plan to buy for my moms' group ~~ I cannot remember the last time I was so enthused about buying a book for other people ~~ this book is definitely a must-read for all parents. I suppose I could share my copy with my friends, but no way. This book is my copy ~~ it's going to help me in the future as well when my two sons travel even further down the path to growing up to be adults.
If you are planning to have kids, this book is a good read for you too. If you are a parent and tired of yelling and nagging your kids to do what you want them to do or not to do ~~ this book is for you.
Most parenting books tend to be on the dry side ~~ more factual than helpful. This book is honest, written with humor and the author shares her insights and personal stories about her three children and how she deals with certain situations that comes up in the midst of raising children. Mrs. Pantley admits that there are times when she fears for her sanity ~~ kids are kids! And not only does she share her stories, she also gives practical and kind but effective suggestions on how to achieve what you want done ~~ without hurting your child's feelings and without you losing control of the situation (whatever that may be). Also, at the end of each chapter, she outlines the main points for you to remember.
This is an incredibly helpful resource in parenting right now. I read this in three days and outlined major points that will be helpful as I deal with two toddlers right smack in the middle of the terrible twos. I am positive this book will help me in the future when they're starting school, becoming teen-agers and so on. This is a practical guide with wonderful insights on how children behave and why they behave this way.
I am grateful that there is a book like this one out there. I only wish I had discovered it sooner!
1-18-05
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45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The only parenting book you'll need!, March 25, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Kid Cooperation: How to Stop Yelling, Nagging, and Pleading and Get Kids to Cooperate (Paperback)
The minute I saw this book on the shelf I had to have it. I wanted to stop yelling, nagging, pleading and get my kids to cooperate. Who wouldn't? I have three children and have been using the many ideas in this book since I purchased it a year and a half ago. Each time I read it - either cover to cover or just glancing over the great reminder pages - I gain more useful ideas to help me be a successful parent. As my children enter new stages in their life and new parenting challenges are faced, I have the confidence to tackle them head-on by using the techniques that I have learned in this book. I have recommended Kid Cooperation to all my friends and I highly recommend it to you as well. I can't imagine what my family life would be like if it wasn't for this first rate parenting book. It is a must have for every parent.
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