Positive Discipline A-Z, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: From Toddlers to Teens, 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problems [Paperback]

Jane Nelsen Ed.D. (Author)

Book Description

Series: Positive Discipline | Publication Date: March 17, 1999

A Positive, Proven Approach to Parenting!
As a parent, you face one of the most challenging—and rewarding—roles of your life. No matter how much you love your child, there will still be moments filled with anger, frustration, and, at times, desperation. What do you do? Over the years, millions of parents just like you have come to trust the classic Positive Discipline series for its consistent, commonsense approach to child rearing. In the completely updated edition of Positive Discipline A-Z, you will learn how to use kind but firm support to raise a child who is responsible, respectful, and resourceful. You'll find practical solutions to such parenting challenges as:
Sibling Rivalry · Bedtime Hassles · The Angry Child
School Problems · Getting Chores Done · ADD
Eating Problems · Getting Through a Divorce
Procrastination · Whining · Tattling and Lying
Homework · And Dozens More!
"Good, practical ways to guide a child—and save your sanity."
—Marguerite Kelly, author of The Mother's Almanac and The Mother's Almanac Goes to School
"The perfect blend of kindness and firmness. Clearly a four-star guide that any parent will immediately relate to, with practical no-nonsense answers for today's families."
—John F. Taylor, Ph.D., author of Helping Your Hyperactive ADD Child
"As a parent and licensed clinical social worker, I found this book to be practical, innovative, and an excellent tool for both parents and psychotherapists."
—Melanie J. Stern, L.C.S.W.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The first edition of Positive Discipline A-Z became a classic child-rearing text that helped change the way parents and experts feel about discipline. In this revised and expanded version, child psychologist Jane Nelson (coauthor of the entire Positive Discipline series) teams up with speaker and therapist Lynn Lott and H. Stephen Glenn (Raising Self-Reliant Children). Positive Discipline is based on the theories of child development expert Rudolf Dreikurs, and uses communication, consistency, and specific techniques (such as the four-step follow-through method, taking time for training, giving age-appropriate chores to teach responsibility, and using positive time-outs in which the child takes some time with a calming activity) to help children develop the life skills they need to be "effective, happy, contributing, and respectful members of the family and society."

The first part of the text provides an introduction to the concept of positive discipline and its tools. The second part of the book is an alphabetical breakdown of more than 100 child-rearing topics, from addiction to zits--including cruelty to animals, fairness, laundry, negative children, pampering, self-esteem, tattling, whining, and much more. Here, the authors move from general theory to specific suggestions and approaches for hard-core parenting issues. Whether read for theory or read for specificity, this book is terrific--and important. --Ericka Lutz

Review

A Positive, Proven Approach to Parenting!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 2 Revised edition (March 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761514708
• ISBN-13: 978-0761514701
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,528 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, January 24, 2005

By 

N. Lee (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Positive Discipline A-Z, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: From Toddlers to Teens, 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problems (Paperback)

This is not a parenting style or system for everyone. With all parenting books, you must pick and choose, taking what you like and leaving the rest. I have read other "discipline" books, most of which are very different from this one, and I have learned things from everything I have read. However, this is one of the few books that resonated with me.

I noticed that many parents (present company included) didn't enjoy disciplining their kids. As parents, it is easy to become locked in power struggles with our kids. Based on my observations, I was looking for a book that endorsed a less punitive and more egalitarian approach to the disciplining and training of children. This book approaches disciplining as character-building. In other words, the goal of discipline is to "build up" a child, instead of pushing or even shaming a child into behaving a certain way.

There are many important messages in this book, several of which are: balance firmness with kindness; watch what messages your actions and words are sending to your kids; don't expect too much or too little from your child, developmentally; and disciplinary consequences should be related, respectful, and reasonable.

Part One gives a good overview of the authors' approach, as well as a concise explanation of pertinent topics such as the roots of poor self-esteem and acting out in anger. Sometimes there was a "cliff notes" feel to this section, but that was OK because Part Two seemed to be the "meat" of the book. My degree is in psychology, so I can say with confidence that this section was based on solid psychology, albeit particular branch(es) of psychology. If you look at parenting as a two-way transformative process, you will learn something about yourself through this section.

Part Two is the "A to Z" part of the book. There are many helpful tips on a wide range of discipline issues. The authors emphasize verbal reasoning and consensus-building. They offer suggestions about more physical forms of discipline, but they do not recommend spanking.

One note to the prospective buyer: this book is geared toward the older toddler and up (most of the time, the suggestions begin at 2 years of age). There are companion books for 0-3 years and teenagers, so if your kids fall into those categories, you might want to look at the other books as well.

47 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I use this book in the classroom, August 16, 2000

By 

"ummtas" (Allah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Positive Discipline A-Z, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: From Toddlers to Teens, 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problems (Paperback)

I make sure my student's parents have this book when they arrive in class! This book is like a dictonary for parents! A-Z literally, each alphabet has a few chapters dedicated to the most common problems parents and teachers face.

Why is this book so helpful? 1)It guided me to the rehlm of a child's thinking pattern 2)It helped me involve my student's in my own thinking pattern 3)It offers solutions!

The solutions are easy to apply, with work of course, and are realistic. I left the book with one main idea..that is..Its all about the attitude. How much do you want to change your habits and work on them? So your children, neices, nephews ect.. will notice the "reaction" you offer them and they will change too based on the descions you decide to present to them! (With action of course)

This book is easy to read, wonderful to share, and both mommy and daddy should read it together and involve the whole family in providing a secure, loving and peaceful home!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Resource for Parents!, November 3, 2001

By 

DeeAnna Merz (Rumson, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Positive Discipline A-Z, Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition: From Toddlers to Teens, 1001 Solutions to Everyday Parenting Problems (Paperback)

This book offers quick, easy, and realistic solutions to everyday issues. Disciplining children can be frustrating and challenging. Here is a book that offers "tricks of the trade" you can pull out of your hat. And best of all, you will feel good about the discipline options you choose if you follow these ideas. And here's a thought...give this at the next baby shower you attend!