Customer Reviews

Liberated Parents, Liberated Children: Your Guide to a Happier Family

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have read lots of different child psychology and parent/child relations books. This is the only one I've ever picked up, started to read, and had the thought, "Wow, I actually think the thoughts and advice here make sense." I know it's terribly pushy of me but I'm considering buying it as a Christmas present for everyone I know who relates to children. The book is full of examples and stories that make it easy to relate the knowledge within the book with how it might be applied in the real world. I could instantly see how the language and responses I might be giving my own son could lead to confusion and even battles. The best part about this book is how it encourages you to help your child grow his/her own self esteem. This is one book I'm planning to read, read again, and then copy parts of it to post on the refrigerator as reminders to myself of the kind of parent that I want to be.

Daughter might not have reached 19 if not for this book! When I was pregnant, a friend insisted I find this book. It was out of print at the time, but I dug up a yellowed copy at a used book store. I read it and although I couldn't envision ever being in many of the situations, it colored everything I did as a parent from the first day. It works beautifully in re-shaping how one relates to all people, not just children. It's easy to change your "script" when the new approach has such an immediate and gratifying result.

Generally my strategy of looking at book reviews is to look at all the negative points first but I just cannot believe how helpful this book was to me and my family. I am a hardcore attachment parenter and found this to be a helpful, human look at discipline. Every person I know who has read this book was also deeply affected by it. For me it was right up there with the book by the same authors "Siblings without rivarly"... and on top of that, it was such an easy book to read I felt like I was reading a novel. Parts of it made me cry and others made me laugh. And there were so many things I was able to use in my parenting right away. I noticed an immediate change in my parenting style and the kids were so much happier and more respectful!

This book has two main sections, the first about children and their emotional needs, the second more focused on what is going on inside the parents.

For the chapter on (parents') anger alone, this book is worth the money. I also own "How to talk..." and wondered whether this book would have sufficient unique material, and having just finished reading it, I have no regrets at all about buying it. I am a person who struggles to express anger in helpful ways, and this book has plenty of suggestions for me to try. If you thought that parents had to be calm, cool and patient 100% of the time, this book will save your sanity.

I also recommend the book "Between Parent and Child" by Dr Haim Ginott. That book was an incredibly therapeutic book to read for me, helping me to work through why my relationship with my own parents has been such a struggle, helping me to understand why I constantly thought throughout my childhood that they didn't really listen to me.

For all those who thought that self-sacrifice is the path to good parenting here is a book that tells you otherwise. Yes, children count, but, so do you. A simply written book with lots of real life examples on how to get your entire family 'liberated' from those daily 'I say yes - you say no' arguements. A definite read if you've come out of a parent-child fight wishing you could take a permanent vacation on a remote island. After reading this book you'll actually want to take your children with you ! Happy parenting

I read "How to Talk . . ." by the same authors and was blown away by how powerful it's implementation was in my family. I wondered, should I bother reading the first book that inspired it? I'm so glad I did.

This book explains how the authors worked through their family issues with the help of Haim Ginott. It humbly shows how two moms dealt with their anger and learned how to be truly constructive.

Read this book--you will not be sorry!

I first read this book in the 1980's when all 4 of my children were under 10 years old. It was so helpful!! I wore one copy out and had to replace it. It is easy and logical to use. It acknowledges that everyone (parents and children) get angry but teaches you to give yourself permission to be angry but provides methods to deal calmly with the situation that makes you angry. It helps you learn to identify that you are angry with the situation - not necessarily the child. My son and daughter-in-law are expecting their first child and this book is going to be part of my gift to them. I already have copies for all 3 of my daughters when their turn at parenting comes. As a volunteer at a domestic violence shelter I recommend the book to our clients who need to develop more effective parenting skills. I also recommended it to all of my friends.

If you want to be the best parent you can be read this book. I use this book daily. (I've reread some of the chapters to reinforce their message) It is a true lifesaver as a parent. I have given this book to four of my friends as a MUST READ.

This book puts into words the way I have felt about parenting for years. I always hated hearing "You're gonna get it" from other parents in stores and such, and wondered if it was just me, and if there was another way. This books puts forth many ideas on how to handle children without the violence and punitive punishments of the past. To quote 'to handle cildren in a way that leaves them with their dignity' What a wonderful concept! This book is worth buying just for the chapters on anger alone as well. Paired with "How to talk..." this is some of the best parenting advice you will ever read.

although not for very young children, I find this book to be an excellent starting point for all these parents who want the best for their children and who want peace at home, raising their children compassionately, respectfully without spanking or time-outs. This is it and without the laxism sometimes found in non-punitive parenting tips one sometimes find in some parenting groups.
It is easy to read, funny and full of nice tips.