Customer Reviews

The Parent's Handbook: Systematic Training for Effective Parenting

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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?

I've read both the 89 and the 97 editions of The Parent's Handbook. I found the 97 edition much easier to read and much better organized.

I've recommended this book to several of my friends at church. Those who've read it report it was really helpful.

This is the book used with STEP training, the 7-week parenting course. Where I live, this class is offered through the YWCA, and our school gives a modified version of STEP to all incoming parents.

Every day at our school we use the conflict-resolution model described in this book. I can think of two reasons it's so effective. First, it's very respectful of children, encouraging them to speak up and have their concerns heard. Second, the process takes so long that they soon learn to streamline it to resolve their issues without adult help. They usually come up with ways to solve problems that are okay with everyone.

We use the principles in this book at home, too.

JUST FINISHED BOOK THROUGH A "STEP" COURSE. ALL 18 MEMBERS AGREE, THE BOOK IS GREAT! (WE PARTICIPATED IN A CLASS FOR 7 WEEKS (COVERED A CHAPTER A WEEK) AND IT WAS GREAT. THE SKILLS TAUGHT REALLY WORK! HANG IN THERE...IT TAKES PRACTICE BUT IT IS WORTH IT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..WHAT A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY NEW PARENT (THE EARLIER YOU START, THE SMOOTHER YOUR FAMILY WITH RUN)...

I just took a STEP Parenting class & this was the book we used. I learned A LOT from it & have been able to use the techniques in my daily life with my 3 boys. While they are very simple, I will continue to review the book to remind myself what I need to do to be a better parent.
The thing I liked best about the book is it helps you find ways to deal with issues WITHOUT YELLING!!!
Over the past several days I have thought of the things I learned, and readjusted my usual response - yelling - and have had more calm interactions with my boys. This is a wonderful book for anyone who is seeking to communicate more efficiently, and raise respectful, loving children. Who wouldn't want that?!

One of the best parenting books. They also make a teen version. I have taken and helped teach classes based on this book. A perfect and unique baby gift for first time parents.

We got this book back in the 80's as part of a parenting class we took when our daughter was seven and our son was three. Our son had severe allergies and had recently been restricted to a diet that allowed him very few foods. Thanks to this book and our wonderful teacher, we learned to express confidence rather than pity--as in "I know you can handle this." rather than, "I'm so sorry you can't have the same thing the rest of us are eating, poor dear!"

When our son insisted on going off his diet, we didn't say a word. Later he got a cold and said, "I'm sick because I ate that graham cracker." The whole concept of natural consequence had become a part of his thinking.

The book creates a model of democracy in the home (using it is very patriotic--prepares children to be responsible members of the U.S.!).

We explained the concept of natural consequences and had family council meetings where we let the kids choose their responsibilities and decide what their consequences would be. If we came up with something that was too wimpy, the kids would say, "no, we don't care enough about that," and suggest a consequence they did care about.

When my daughter was in college and building trails with high school kids, I loaned her the book and she said it was invaluable to her.

So often we parent poorly because we don't know what else to do and this book is a great help in discovering what else to do. If you can find a group in your community that's using it, that's even better. We learned a lot from the school counselor who worked with us and from practicing before we faced the kids!

The used book itself was in excellent condition for half price! The content of the book is for a class but it is actually has very good outlooks and steps for effective parenting skills.