Assertive Discipline for Parents: A Proven, Step-by-Step Approach to Solving Everyday Behavior Problems (Paperback)

by Lee Canter (Author) "There are times I really like I can't handle my kids..." (more)
Key Phrases: child breaks one, nonassertive responses, disciplinary consequences, Assertive Discipline, Discipline Hierarchy, Marble Mania (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
You Can Get Your Children To BehaveRaising happy, well-behaved children seems to be harder than ever. The old answers don't seem to work. New approaches are needed. Assertive Discipline for Parents is the parenting book that addresses the needs of today's parents.

You will learn:

How to communicate -- to say what you mean and mean what you say

How and when to provide positive support when your children do behave

How to avoid being manipulated by your children's "I don't care" attitudes, threat and anger

Assertive Discipline for Parents will enable you to master the skills needed to guide your children's behavior successfully.

About the Author
Leo and Marlene Canter are nationally renowned for their work in the fields of education and parenting. Through their educational consulting firm, Canter and Associates, Inc., and through their Assertive Discipline program, they have shown thousands of educators and parents how to raise happy, responsible children. Their books have sold over 750,00 copies. The author live in Los Angeles with their two children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks; Revised edition (July 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006273279X
• ISBN-13: 978-0062732798
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #390,611 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Assertive Discipline for Parents, January 20, 2000

By	Laura Flynn (California) - See all my reviews

Every time I feel myself falling into unconstructive patterns of handling my children, I re-read this book. It renews my confidence to deal with everyday parenting challenges by "putting the ball in their court". As they grow, Assertive Discipline for Parents grows with them because it contains suggestions for all ages.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, Direct and Easy to Read, May 27, 2003

By	Diane "babiesforme" (Glen Allen, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I have read several "discipline" books with many more on my nightstand. This is by far one of the best books for all ages, from toddlers to teens. The book is easy to read (1-2 hours at the most), gives great examples and has already inspired me to take charge of my parenting with my almost 4 yr old twin boys. I can certainly see it's effectiveness into the teen years.

The Canter's give you an overview of "being assertive" and ineffective communication. Then they keep it simple by giving you in one short chapter the tools most parents will need to get results - speak assertively, use nonverbal cues, utilize the broken record technique for arguers, and praise when behavior is appropriate. The next couple chapters suggest how to back up your words with actions and lay down the law, including some examples of "extreme" measures people have taken. Each chapter supplies examples and a one page summary at the end.

The rest of the book gives great ideas for enforcing positive behavior, working with 2 or more children, changing behavior at school, and working with spouses and ex-spouses. There are examples situations for working parents, babysitters, and single parents. There is a question and answer section of the most "what if?" and "but.." questions, a long problem/consequence example chapter and worksheets for disciplinary plans in various situations.

I highly recommend this book as one of the first to read. I really like the way they give suggestions, but don't treat them as the only way to do things. The authors acknowledge the fact that some children definitely need professional help and that the professional advice comes first. And the fact that positive reinforcement is highly emphasized makes it a well rounded, easy to implement discipline strategy.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Assertive Discipline for Parents, February 3, 2002

By A Customer

We are the parents of an only child. He had a lot of bad learned behavior. This book was recommended to us by a child psychologist and it really has helped us in the discipline area. My son is a different child and gets along better with his peers. This is an excellent book. I'm even buying copies for my friends who are struggling with discipline in their homes.