Loving Every Child: Wisdom for Parents [Hardcover]

Sandra Joseph (Editor), Janusz Korczak (Contributor)

Book Description

Born in Poland in 1878, educator, physician, and legendary child advocate Janusz Korczak believed that simply understanding children is the key to being able to take care of them. It’s a basic premise too often overlooked.

This collection of one hundred quotations and passages from Korczak’s writings provides valuable advice on how to take care of, respect, and love every child.

In an inviting gift-book format, this is a heartfelt and helpful reminder of who we were as children and who we might become as parents.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. When the U.N. declared 1979 "The Year of the Child," the organization dedicated the year to Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish physician and child advocate who was murdered by the Nazis alongside the orphans he refused to abandon. Although his fable, King Matt the First, has been available in translation, his writings about children have not been. And while this present volume of selections may seem slim, Korczak's insights are profound. The opening selection, "No Book Is a Substitute," reminds readers not to trust childcare books more than their own thoughtful observations. Watch a child take off and put back on a shoe or sock, over and over. This is not "a senseless waste of time," Korczak says, but "real work," part of the child's development. Likewise, play is essential to children—it's the only time we allow children "to take the initiative." Are you frustrated by something your child's done? Try seeing that child as a "foreigner who does not speak our language... ignorant of the laws and customs.... Treat his ignorance with respect." In this perfect inspirational gift book, Korczak reminds readers that children are basically honest, so if they don't answer our questions, that's also an answer; rather than lie, they're choosing silence. Editor Joseph closes with a biographical sketch of Korczak, useful for readers discovering this remarkable man for the first time. (Feb. 23)
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Review

"While this volume of selections may seem slim, Korczak's insights are profound....Are you frustrated by something your child's done? Try seeing that child as a 'foreigner who does not speak our language...ignorant of our laws and customs...Treat his ignorance with respect.' In this perfect inspirational gift book, Korczak reminds readers that children are basically honest, so if they don't answer our questions, that's basically an answer; rather than lie, they're choosing silence.'"
—Publishers Weekly starred review (Publishers Weekly )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 84 pages
• Publisher: Algonquin Books; Gift edition (January 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565124898
• ISBN-13: 978-1565124899
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #502,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big gifts in small packages! Extraordinary parental advice., May 20, 2007

By 

Reading my way thru life "Sharing what I read" (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Loving Every Child: Wisdom for Parents (Hardcover)

What children really think of us:
Adults are not very clever. They don't even know how to take advantage of the freedom they have. They're so lucky, they can buy anything they like, they're allowed to do anything they want but despite all this they are always angry about something and any little thing is liable to make them shout. -From the book.

This little book will teach you some things about children and how to be a parent! Great book for new parents, but also for parents at any stage. For example, there's a section on adolescence. Really good insight and used in a child's point of view.

I picked this up and thumbed thru it and knew I had to get a closer look at this! Who was this man 'Janusz Korczak' and why had I never heard of him before? How did he know this stuff about kids and what they think and feel and want and need?

The introduction tells you a little bit about Korczak, and in the very back of the book, there is a 'who was this man' section. Very interesting. Makes me want to find more of his writings. The book is full of words of wisdom about children, growing and learning, and what they see from us.

Great little book for yourself or to give as a gift. I cannot think of anyone who would not benefit from reading this little treasure! You know someone who you admire as a parent? Great!-& give 'em this too!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Parenting, May 12, 2007

By 

Ray Nickens - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Loving Every Child: Wisdom for Parents (Hardcover)

Dr Korzcak writes from the perspective of the child. His writing is
profound yet simple and easy to understand. His teaching reminds me
of the innocence of children. As an adult I forget what it was like
to be a child but Dr Korzcak reminds me of that fragile age. When I
am reminded of that fragile age I empathize and become on the same level as the child, thus more patient, compassionate and understanding, and hopefully a kinder and wiser parent.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom from a Master, May 26, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Loving Every Child: Wisdom for Parents (Hardcover)

The author, a physician, survived Nazi Germany and had love in his heart for all children. His wisdom and insights will make you glad to be a human being, and his humor and wry commentaries will delight you.