Customer Reviews

Mom, Dad Are You Listening?

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Mr Elliott has written a book full of powerful personal examples that illustrate a method of increasing communication within the family unit. More than another "self-help" book for families in crisis, this book offers not only advice, but a specific system for helping all family units be more open and communicative. I was impressed at the emphasis on "Listening" and "Understanding" and will recommend this to my friends with children of all ages!

Sonny Elliott's communication techniques allow anyone to express their feelings without fear of reprisal. His techniques have allowed my ESL (English as a Second Language) students to communicate verbally, improve their mastery of the language, and share their hopes and fears as immigrants to this country. It has enabled them to relate to one another in what educators call "authentic" language. In order for learning to occur, the subject content should be meaningful to the student's life, thereby "authentic". Elliott's techniques described in his book facilitate the language process, empower the student, and engender a feeling of connectedness to others using the process. Bravo for Sonny Elliott. Parents and educators take note!

Sonny's interpretation of his own, sometimes tragic experiences, in childhood, are inspiring and validating of the human spirit's intention to make a difference in life. Beyond the story of his life, he creates a practical step by step process for children and parents to communicate with each other with respect and dignity, and to expand their experience of love.

Small book makes a big difference.

After reading this book you are left with more than just feelings or some good ideas, you are left with a practical step by step tool for building relationships within your family.

We just followed the recipe for the family meeting at the back and opened up completely new possibilities. It is critical to us that as our children grow up we can be their trusted best friends instead of the outsiders who don't understand!

Sonny Elliott keenly demonstrates the importance of communication and how a person's feelings can alter his or her ability to listen and understand what someone else is saying or doing, especially in the family environment. His ability to weave the story of his own life and his determination to break the cycle and make a difference in his life and the life of his children is inspiring. I applaud his commitment to share these tools with the public. I have used Sonny Elliott's guidelines to enrich my relationships with my three grown step-children, my husband, and my siblings. There is established trust in our relationships which allows for open expression of our feelings. This is a must read for anyone who wants to nurture relationships in their lives!

As he reveals in this exceptionally creative book, Sonny Elliott has had to navigate himself through some tough family times. What he has learned - and the discoveries he has made - are remarkable. This easy to read paperback is an astounding contribution and obvious lifetime commitment to the betterment of the family unit. Every parent would do well by taking this information to heart...and also to the family. The humanity, insight, and sensitivity Elliott brings to his topic translate to practical and immediately useful ideas. Curiously (and refreshingly), he points to children as the much overlooked key to creating and maintaining the strong family unity. Elliott delivers unique ways of communicating with our children which in themselves are worth far more than the investment in his book. The big bonus, though, is the structure Elliott provides for loving and supportive family meetings. Finally, here is a simple way for children and parents to safely communicate with and deepen their love for each other. In today's world, with kids going haywire seemingly at random, here is an author whose message is unquestionably a major part of the solution.

Having Sonny Elliott so beautifully describe his abusive childhood and how he emerged a stronger person and parent should be required reading for every parent. His insights and recommnedations are appropriate for families of all sizes and ages. The book is easy to read and filled with many suggestions that make perfect sense.

I was looking for answers to deal with some problems I was having with my teenager kids, when a friend of mine recommended that I read this book. I borrowed it and read it and what a dissapointment it was! Mr. Elliot seems to have very good intentions, but the book reminded me of the old salesman at the top of the wagon selling remedy that "cured everything" to people who knew very little and were very desperate. This book fails to present a straight line of thought, it is convoluted, it points out only minor aspects of the family life today and, above all, it has a lot of useless pages (for example, the entire chapter about Mr. Elliot not making the basketball team! ) If the point is that not making the team puts the kid in need of support, he just could have said so in three lines. I also fail to see any piece of modern psychologic theory. I don't know where Mr. Elliot got his psychology degree and/or knowledge but he sure does not show it in his book. Also, as Mr. Elliot admits, he has been divorced and has neglected his kids for quite a while; then, how come, out of the sudden, is he the ultimate expert in family relationships? How can I even trust his advice? Like I said before, it seems like we have another "doctor" at the top of the wagon selling "miracle remedy." All for the money, or their egos. I am glad I just borrowed the book and did not buy it.