Customer Reviews

Single Parenting That Works: Six Keys to Raising Happy, Healthy Children in a Single-Parent Home

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

 

 

Before reading this book I felt like I needed to find someone to fill the role of "dad" for my kids. I am so glad I read this book before making that mistake! Now I feel encouraged that I can be a good mom, with thriving kids. I felt this book was jam-packed with practical advice and also had great wisdom. I am now confident that I can do the job! This is a must read for anyone who finds him/herself as a single parent.

This is a well-written book from the "birth-order guy", Kevin Leman. I've read several of his other books and I enjoy his writing style. You'll enjoy reading this book.

Having said that, I think there are better single-parenting resources available elsewhere. Look around here on Amazon for other titles and compare the reviews. My personal favorite is "Raising Great Kids On Your Own" which was just recommended by Focus on the Family. It's available here on Amazon also.

Kevin Leman is a smart, accomplished counselor and author: this book is worth the price. Meanwhile look around and compare other titles. If you're a busy single mom on a budget, spend wisely!

Lauren Hodge
Apple Valley, CA
I also highly recommend this book:
Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

Dr. Leman is very down-to-earth with his advice on how single parents can create a great environment for children even without both parents. Although both parents are ideal, it's not ideal for all situations, and this book gives hope for those who were without it.

This book had several good tidbits of information to help any single parent. I'm happy to have read it, however there are many opinions of Kevin Leman's that are not backed by facts. I would advise anyone who reads this book to pay attention to the practical advice, but ignore the opinions - some of which lead me to question the sanity of the writer - such as "boys should live with moms and girls are better off with dads." I don't think he'd be saying that if he had a little girl ask him to go bra shopping or bring up the topic of menstruation.

Bob, your review makes me frustrated because it's obvious to me that even though you might have walked away with "tidbits" you missed the MAJOR underlying message that is so essential that Dr. Leman is trying to get us to understand. The message is that the OPPOSITE parent has such a role in shaping their children that a bond can be created that the little girl WILL feel comfortable asking him about a bra--that's the WHOLE point. You seem to forget that the single parent is the ONLY parent that child has, so of course, by using the principles in this book that child will feel comfortable in asking absolutely everything. As a sidebar, as a university professor who uses Dr. Leman's materials in three of the classes that I teach for my graduate students. I use his materials because they are well documented and his bibliography is extensive.

Solid parenting advice on discipline and instilling values in children. However, when he starts talking about dating, just skip the entire chapter. He actually advises not dating at all until your kids are in their early 20s. And if you do date, no sex which he thinks is challenging for the men who are 'used to regular, marital sex'. He also advises men to avoid trading off financial and social status for an attractive woman. Excuse me? We live in an era where women have equally high sex drives as men (because we are allowed to express them) and are just as likely to be tempted to be a 'sugar Momma' trading off our financial and social status for a pretty boy. Get with the times. Women go to college/grad school/med school/law school now and have real careers and income. We need real advice. And please... sentencing single parents to no affection, no romance, no connection, and certainly no sex for 15+ years while they raise their kids as martyrs seems like a steep punishment for getting left by your spouse and becoming single when a parent. It's clear he's never been single long, much less a single parent. Take your advice on this topic from someone who has a clue.

Every book will offer a tidbit "take away" message that will help single moms forge ahead with added determination and skill. This book will certainly add a little something to your parenting skills. For reassuring help with all your single moms concerns, please check out the completely revised third edition of the Complete Single Mother. My co-author and I are both single moms who have "been there".