Parenting That Works: Building Skills That Last a Lifetime [Paperback]

Edward R. Christophersen (Author), Susan L. Mortweet (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2002

Being a parent is probably the most important job many of us will ever have. We recognize that it is not enough to simply raise a child who does what he or she is told or gets good grades. In this book, clinical psychologist Dr. Edward Christophersen and his colleague, child psychologist Dr. Susan Mortweet, show parents how to raise their child to become the adult we'd all like to be-one who is happy and compassionate, confident but not aggressive, and able to make and keep friends. They point out that from babyhood on through the school years, children learn these qualities by observing and interacting with their parents. In clearly written, easy-to-follow chapters, parents are shown how to model and reward positive behaviors and avoid the need for ineffective, punitive discipline. Two key areas are covered in the book: building one's own skills as a parent, and then building one's child's competencies. Scores of practical examples show parents how to teach their children what is important in life, how to communicate clearly, and how to effectively discipline their child. Special parenting topics such as managing a child's behavior in public, monitoring TV, toys, and games, and handling fallout from divorce are also discussed. Readers then learn how to build their child's basic skills by teaching him or her how to quickly get over upsets and how to play independently. The authors also dispense wise advice on the all-too-common problems associated with bedtime and sleeping, toilet training, aggression, and tantrums. This book is a great resource that parents will find reassuring, comprehensive, and thought-provoking.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Parenting That Works is a book that works! It is teeming with workable advice that will help parents everywhere." -- Mel Levine, author of A Mind at a Time

About the Author

Edward R. Christophersen, Ph.D., is a staff psychologist at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, and a professor of pediatrics at the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine.

Susan Mortweet, Ph.D., is a staff psychologist at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City and an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Medicine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Magination Press; 1 edition (July 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557989249
• ISBN-13: 978-1557989246
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to follow advice for raising nicer kids, August 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Parenting That Works: Building Skills That Last a Lifetime (Paperback)

I saw Dr. Christophersen in a New York Times article about how to teach kids to handle their anger, so I looked to see if he had any books out on the subject. I was very happy to see this book of his! Even better, Dr. Christophersen tackles problems like kids that interrupt too much, as well as divorce. The book -- which is really all about how to raise nice kids -- is easy to understand, and the advice is easy to follow. Dr. Christophersen doesn't believe in punishing a child who gets angry -- because kids learn from their parents. Who hasn't slammed the door when they're mad? Well, if my son is watching that display of temper -- or worse -- I'm teaching him to do what I do when I get mad -- throw a temper tantrum! Look on any highway, and you can see all kinds of temper tantrums -- it's called road rage, but it's just an adult form of temper tantrums. In this book, Dr. Christophersen explains how what we do teaches our kids what to do. If WE learn ways of controlling our temper, such as breathing deeply when WE get mad, we can help our kids to the same. Another good part is about talking with our kids. We all lecture kids -- even when they're too young to understand. Instead, he says, we should listen to our kids and answer their questions. What a fantastic way to get through to a child. If he asks questions, I've got his attention, and he's going to listen to me! The other thing I really like about this book is that it has the backing of the American Psychological Association, which means I can trust Dr. Christophersen's advice -- he's not the child expert "flavor of the week."

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all parents!!, October 14, 2002

By 

Matthew Hoag, Ph.D. (Bicknell, Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parenting That Works: Building Skills That Last a Lifetime (Paperback)

A must read for all parents. This parenting book encourages you to get on the "ten year plan." No, this is not a financial or business plan but a way to learn how to play with your child, to go into public with your son, and to develop language skills by talking to your daughter.

The skills taught in "Parenting that Works" will assist you with teaching your child now, what most parents hope to see in their adolescents in 10 years. Christophersen and Mortweet suggest that these skills must be practiced and taught over time, typically 3 months, before they become a part of your parenting style and part of your daughter?s behavior.

This is an excellent book that is easy to read and understand. The examples described by the authors resonate with what parents experience. With practice, patience, and your support; your son will be able to develop the ability to play independently, manage his moods and "self-quiet," and respond appropriately to requests and expectations. These concepts are explained well, are clear and easy to implement, but do take time and energy to practice and get good at!

Another great parenting book by Christophersen and Mortweet. These skills can be used with young children and adolescents.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended, February 10, 2004

By 

Buzz "klovko1" (Indianapolis, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parenting That Works: Building Skills That Last a Lifetime (Paperback)

I've recently been reading parenting books, trying to find good ones to recommend to my patients (I'm a child psychologist). This is easily one of the most comprehensive, well written, and useful books I have come across so far. A very useful guide for parents with or without difficult children.