Customer Reviews

Parenting Isn't for Cowards

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This book was one of 13 that I read in desperation, and it was the only one that helped me with my very hard to handle son. Mr. Dobson helped me realize that parenting is NOT a breeze, it is not joyful or as wonderful as everybody else says, it is the most difficult challenge of my entire life. I received the sympathy I needed and I realize that parenting today is too permissive, thus we are raising brats. His guidelines make alot of sense, and the generations before us didn't have the problems that kids have today. Why? Because there was discipline back then. Today, parents are afraid to set limits and discipline their kids. I feel so much better after reading this book, I know I am not alone.

We've all witnessed the frustrated, harrassed mother battling with her stong-willed child. We've all seen, at one time or another, this same mother (or others like her) losing that battle of wills. We may be that mother, embarrassed by a temper tantrum in public, giving in just to avoid further scrutiny by stangers witnessing our attempts to control a child who absolutely WILL have his/her own way! I am the mother of one of these beautiful, sweet, creative, funny, delightful, stubborn, maddening, bratty, hard-as-nails children. Even if you are not an active, practicing Christian, even if you don't listen to "Focus on the Family", you will gain priceless information and helpful tips about your hard-to-control child. Dr. Dobson mixes clinical research with heart-warming stories, helpful hints, and for those that are interested, solid Biblical principles in an easy-to-read text that should claim a place in the library of every family. He also gives excellent advice for integration of this strong-willed child with the compliant children in the family. I have one of each, and Dr. Dobson revealed to me ways to control one without smothering or ignoring the other. My children didn't come with instruction manuals; Dr. Dobson is a gem to share the how-to's for "operating this delicate piece of machinery": parenthood

Dr. Dobson provides clear, helpful advice for parents to support us in our role as the primary educator of our children. His advice is of particular importance for any parent of a strong-willed child. As a mother of 7, I found his advice to be very helpful. (The only place I disagree is when he recommends that you wait to have children.) If you are bewildered how your "little blessing" seemed to turn into a "little terror"...have hope and read this book! If you want to know how to parent a little spitfire...read this book. Very encouraging! You can do it!

This book is very interesting to read. It also gives very specific steps on how to discipline children from young age to entering adolescence. However, I do think each parent needs to evaluate the discipline methods and find one that is suitable for both the parents and the child. It is excellent in terms of setting up the basic principles in teaching children.

I liked the author's style and enjoyed some of his stories and humor.
The cons:
The conclusions that the author draws from research are scientifically unconvincing.
His opinions, for example the effect of fathers on daughters' future romantic life are not based on anything.
His approach to parenting includes such advice: do not give in to children, bring them into obedience, respect and awe of the parents at an early age , use corporal punishment when the child is challenging parents' authority, and do not treat them as equals.
He often uses the words and images of battling, calls children "the enemy", and argues that children seek power and control over parents. I do not think that children act out because they are seeking power over parents.. They are just full of emotions that they do not always understand, or they do not realize the effect of their actions on parents. They don't want to win against their parents, they want to be loved and understood by their parents.
The author's approach feels wrong to me. Hitting children to bring them in awe of the parent seems physically and psychologically abusive.
I just listened to Parent Effectiveness Training on audio and it is surprisingly good - full of practical advice and smart, great stuff.

There is some helpful information in this book if you are dealing with a very difficult child. It was too heavy on religion and bible quotes for my taste. I would have preferred more factual examples and ways to put the ideas into effect.

I used this book when raising my own children and have no problem choosing to buy it for a new family. I have well balanced children and can trust them not to do anything foolish anywhere. James Dobson has some very sensible insights into parenting which should not be ignored. The delivery service was also superb for this product.

Dr. Dobson has been a strong voice in helping uplift and train children and parents.
This book is a fun and easy look at the stresses and other conflicts of being a parent and helps give practical insight on how to overcome them.

If you are a new parent or a discouraged parent this is a great book to read through.
It does hlep you to see that YOU CAN DO IT!!

This book recommends parenting behavior such as hitting children, which is NOT the advice most Christian Counselors would give to parents. There are some fabulous parenting books out there which are scripturally based such as Dr. William Sears, which advocate nonviolent parenting and follow scripture's themes (like Jesus's admonitions never to harm a child), and don't prooftext metaphorical verses about using a shepherd's rod the way that this book does. This book does not do an adequate job of explaining the real truth of God's word for parenting children... it simply takes the advice to hit your kids and gives you some excuses to make you feel better about doing it. If you are a Christian, please PRAY and ask God to guide you toward which parenting books to follow...and listen as He speaks to your heart...Listen to God...not the author of this book who is not God. I am praying for the Holy Spirit to intervene in the hearts of those who read this book, and for them to have the spiritual attunement to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and the courage to stand up for what Jesus really said about children...which is to protect them.

This book is an absolute must to read for anyone raising a teenager!
As you face life's challenges with teenagers you will understand so much reading what others have also dealt with.