The One Minute Mother [Hardcover]

Spencer Johnson (Author), Candle Communications (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1983

This heartfelt parable begins where most mothers are, and then takes them where they want to be. Starting with nurturing and understanding, the young mother-to-be in Dr. Johnson's story learns how to help her children acquire self-discipline and discovers a simple way to encourage them to achieve in the world.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Not for mothers only! This parable begins where most parents are and takes them to where they want to be. Learn how to become an effective disciplinarian using nurturing and understanding, and how to help your children achieve their goals. The three simple techniques outlined in this book really can help you become a better, more complete parent. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

... a masterpiece in the art of communication. Dr. Johnson has the rare ability to be interesting, provocative, and succinct. My admiration is complete. -- Dr. Norman Vincent Peale --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow; 1st edition (September 15, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688022502
• ISBN-13: 978-0688022501
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #632,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Spencer Johnson, M.D., is one of the world's most respected thinkers and beloved authors. Dr. Johnson earned a B.A. degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, an M.D. degree from the Royal College of Surgeons, and medical clerkships at The Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School. More than forty-six million copies of Spencer Johnson's books are in print worldwide in more than forty-seven languages.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

147 of 149 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Parenting Book I've Ever Read, July 18, 1998

By 

Sondra Eklund ([e-mail]) (An American in Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The One Minute Mother (One Minute Series) (Paperback)

This book is fantastic! I read a copy from the library last night, and today I feel I must have a copy of my own. I'm so excited about what these ideas will do for my family! I had heard of the "One Minute Reprimand" long ago, and loved the idea of reprimanding the child's behavior and not the child. By also including "One Minute Goal Setting" and "One Minute Praisings" this book presents a beautiful way for a family to live. Sometimes we think that our children automatically know how wonderful we think they are. They don't, and this book encourages you to tell them, while also not glossing over their misbehavior. I'm excited about this book! All my friends are going to hear about it!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Filler, Little Content, September 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The One Minute Mother (One Minute Series) (Paperback)

This book is written in the form of a story. My hunch is that it's to supply a *lot* of filler to an idea that could be easily explained in a few pages. As it is, I still finished it in an hour. Even though it didn't take long, I was still highly annoyed at the waste of my time reading so much fluff for so little substance. A young pregnant woman interviews a woman and her grown daughters about what makes a good mom. There are no real-life examples, studies, anecdotes, etc. Basically it boils down to three tips: set individual and family goals and review them daily; catch your kids doing things right and praise them; and address infractions ASAP and condemn the behavior, not the child. Pretty basic stuff. The only reason I gave this book two stars instead of one is because the advice is sound, if simple. If you're still curious, go to the bookstore and take two minutes to look at the diagram toward the end of the book. It explains everything succinctly, and you'll have saved yourself an hour and $10.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Could have been said in three paragraphs...., March 20, 2005

By 

frisky2000 "frisky2000" (Margaritaville) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The One Minute Mother (One Minute Series) (Paperback)

After reading and appreciating THE ONE MINUTE MANAGER years ago, I assumed I'd enjoy THE ONE MINUTE MOTHER now that I have two kids of my own. WRONG! The author's needless use of a silly story, very slow and unappealing, does little to nothing to enhance the principles of One Minute Parenting.

The main three ideas are simple, they seem effective enough, and I'll definitely give them a try when my children are older (not really best suited for real youngsters). THEY ARE: 1. Set and review goals regularly as a family; 2. Catch your kids doing something right and offer prompt praise; 3. Conversely, when kids are at fault, offer a short and succinct reprimand taking care not to scold the person, just their behavior.

Dr. Johnson's characters, a mom to be, a One Minute Mother whom she is interviewing, and the One Minute Mother's children, sound like condescending stick figures in their dialogue and after a few pages you find yourself just wanting to turn to the final chapter to finish get it over with.

The chart at the end of the story easily sums up what could have been said in a one page essay for a magazine -- this was a needless waste of publishing. I'm selling my copy ASAP.