The Parent's Problem Solver: Smart Solutions for Everyday Discipline Dilemmas and Behavioral Problems (Paperback)

by Cathryn Tobin (Author) "Like most things in life, anger is anger neither all good nor all bad..." (more)
Key Phrases: notice your body language, thinking influence the way, respect your child, She's Feeling, Reframe Ask, The Sore Spot (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Well written by experienced professionals, these two books describe child-rearing problems and solutions in brief chapters. Neither book is meant to be read from cover to cover but instead referred to as situations arise, limiting usefulness in the library. Goldstein, who teaches child development at Johns Hopkins University, and coauthor Gallant, a writer specializing in family issues and education, have organized The Parenting Bible into three parts based upon a child's age: the first five years, ages six to nine, and ages ten to 13. Each part is color-coded on the edge of the page and contains topics phrased as a question (e.g., "How can I help my child adjust to moving?") for the appropriate age. The descriptions of children and the resolution of issues are based upon the theories of child development researcher Jean Piaget and psychosocial theorist Erik Erikson, offering an accessible way for parents to understand their theories. The Parent's Problem Solver was written by a pediatrician/licensed midwife with over 20 years' experience in parenting issues. Tobin has developed methods for solving problems using the Three Rs (reframe, reflect, resolve) and the acronym STOP (see, think, observe, put it together). These methods, along with worksheets at the ends of chapters (problematic for libraries), are meant to help resolve parenting issues. The chapters are arranged alphabetically by topic (e.g., "Crying"), and the book closes with an annotated list of resources for each chapter that includes books, web sites, and organizations. Goldstein and Tobin do not concur on many topics, such as the use of pacifiers or what to do when children wake up at night, which will frustrate parents. Tobin's list of resources will be useful for library collection development, but Goldstein's book covers more topics and, given its organization by age, is more conducive to browsing, making it the more likely choice for public libraries. Alice Hershiser, Reedville, VA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Discipline, in a nutshell, is giving children tools to succeed in life. This book shows parents how."--William Sears, M.D., coauthor of The Baby Book and The Discipline Book

"Dr. Spock helped us understand our children, but Dr. Tobin helps us understand ourselves. By the time you finish reading the first chapter, you'll find a new approach to parenting problems that you can rely on."--John and Linda Friel, The 7 Worst Things (Good) Parents Do

"This is a wonderful book! Dr. Tobin gives us a brand-new twist on solving problems with our kids. If Dr. Tobin can't be your pediatrician, read her book!"--Jack Canfield, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press; 1 edition (June 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609807617
• ISBN-13: 978-0609807613
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #662,793 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Bogus Reviews, July 28, 2006

By	lKay (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Notice the verbage used by the first 12 of 18 reviewers. Pretty similar. And these were all written in about a 7 day period of July-August 2002. Bogus reviewers.

Read through it for yourself at your local bookstore, then decide.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite parenting resource!, April 14, 2003

By A Customer

I don't usually write reviews, but this book is so great that it deserves another review (even though everyone else who has reviewed this book so far thinks it's great too)! Dr. Cathryn has such a wonderful way of writing, it almost feels like she is having a dialogue with you. I found that as I was reading, I would have a mental question, and low and behold, within the next section she would address it, just like she knew what I was thinking. Her advise is practical and realistic, and she presents it in a very non-judgemental way, which makes it very easy to read all of the different sections, even those that may not seem applicable (yet!).

I originally bought the book to address sleep issues, but have been very pleased by all of the other issues she addresses. She provides very simple instructions to follow to correct this all too common problem. And they worked!! She also explains the why's and possible consequences of not changing certain behaviors, which is enlightening and certainly motivating.

Thanks Dr. Cathryn for providing such a great resource for new parents!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS BOOK SAVED MY LIFE...., August 2, 2002

By A Customer

I can't believe how much easier it is to deal with the every day "stuff" now
that I'm using the 3R's. Reframe, reflect, and resolve comes naturally and
is a simple tool for realizing the areas you need to work on. Now, when I'm
finding myself getting upset with one of my kids, I stop and ask myself,
"How am I caught up in this situation?" This book is a MUST for anyone who
is baffled by their kids behavior.