The Parent's Handbook: Step, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting [Paperback]

Don Dinkmeyer (Author), Gary D. McKay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 1997 | Series: Step : Systematic Training for Effective Parenting

Offers parents a realistic and practical approach to meeting the challenges of raising children today. Teaches effective and enjoyable ways to relate to children.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Offers parents a realistic and practical approach to meeting the challenges of raising children today. Teaches effective and enjoyable ways to relate to children. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: Random House Inc (P); 3rd edition (October 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088671298X
• ISBN-13: 978-0886712983
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #185,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 25-year-old success story !, March 19, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Parent's Handbook (Paperback)

The concepts in this book work --- our now 25-year-old daughter is proof of it. We used the 1976 edition of this book, and we are now ordering a more current version for her to use with her 3-year-old son. Our advice to parents with strong-willed children: HANG IN THERE! You will find that some techniques work better than others --- each child is a unique individual. The process is often a rocky road, but the rewards are wonderful. These children grow up to be exciting, self-motivated adults!

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars BUY THE EARLIER VERSION OF THIS BOOK INSTEAD, December 29, 1999

By 

David Holtzer (Dobbs Ferry, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Parent's Handbook (Paperback)

The content of this book is EXCELLENT. The reason I gave this book only three stars is because the earlier version of this book, written only by Dinkmeyer Sr. and McKay in the 1970's -- the later version includes Dinkmeyer, Jr. -- is much more user friendly. This book is not easy to follow despite it's description as such. In fact, it can be very overwhelming for a parent truly intent on helping themselves and their children. In short, this book seems to throw a lot at you at once in a disorganized fashion. And, it reads like a text book.

If you're still reading this review, I want to reiterate that this book and the STEP process are EXCELLENT and it works! I just strongly recommend that you buy the earlier version instead. Although it's a few bucks more and it may take several weeks to obtain (it's out of print), it's written in an easier to follow format and is more enjoyable to read.

One last comment: If you're asking why I bought both books, it's because I borrowed the earlier version from a friend and then bought the updated version thinking it was better. I'm sorry I did and I immediately ordered the old one.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book makes a difference on how parents should focus., March 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Parent's Handbook: Step, Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (Paperback)

I was going through a divorce and needed to find ways to help my two girls and find ways to deal with their behavior , some which was associated with the divorce.

My oldest daughter, nine years old could tell I was doing something different. She even commented to me on this. She actually was glad to see the efforts I was putting forth on improving my parenting skills.

The ideas were logical and then offered reasoning as to the benefits which could be observed. I definitely saw the benefits when applying the ideas.

The book was easy to follow in steps and as a parent really made me think. Rather than focus on what I thought my wife should be doing regarding the girls, I focused on me and how to improve as a parent and father. Now I plan to get this book for my wife so she can pick up on the ideas. We have finally gone past the nasty stage and now are trying to communicate amicably for the sake of the girls.

This book makes you think about yourself and look for behavior changes in the right areas. It helps the parent to be responsible for his/her own actions or reactions in order to better communicate with their children. Let me stress the communication means both; listening - talking and acting - reacting. Another major key was how I truly saw myself getting better as a parent. The book helped me to focus on common skills, we all have, thereby improving my relationship with our girls. As a father I truly felt I was able to help my daughters with their personal life challenges. Even if I only recognized their feelings. In essence, their challenges were my opportunities. Doesn't every parent want a chance to be a better parent?