Parent Talk: How to Talk to Your Children in Language That Builds Self-Esteem and Encourages Responsibility (Paperback)

by Chick Moorman (Author) "There is power in choice..." (more)
Key Phrases: parent talk phrase, parent talk skills, positive picturing, Life Sentences, Reducing Conflict, Ten Things (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Language acquisition isn't just a toddler's job: Moorman takes parenting common sense-the notion that affirming, loving speech is crucial to a child's growth and self-esteem-to the level of a "skills-based program" of parenting language in this earnest volume. In a new introduction (Moorman originally self-published the book), he encourages parents to select a few of his "Parent Talk" phrases and practice them until they come naturally; gradually, they can move on to fluency. Parents, he says, should use language that encourages their child to make choices, learn "response-ability" (healthy responses to challenges and setbacks) and seek solutions-e.g., "How come you picked your grumpy mood?"; "So your dad says you're grounded. How did you produce that result?"; and "I know you can handle it." Some of Moorman's phrases sound extremely awkward, while some familiar ones-"You did a good job"-are verboten. (Praise that evaluates rather than describes or appreciates can make children into "praise junkies" whose sense of worth is dependent on others' compliments instead of their own confidence, Moorman warns.) It would take an extremely conscientious parent to employ all these phrases consistently, but Moorman's basic message of encouraging child empowerment and family solidarity through healthy parental communication is an important one, and many of his suggestions feel right on target.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Howard Glasserauthor of Transforming the Difficult ChildParent Talk adds great dimension to the language of parenting, especially for those parents who want to build self-esteem. Moorman infuses the endeavor with humor, heart, and thoughtfulness. -- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; 1 edition (February 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743236246
• ISBN-13: 978-0743236249
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #250,720 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaching a grandparent New Tricks, February 13, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Boca Raton, Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parent Talk: Words That Empower, Words That Wound (Hardcover)

As a grandmother if two small grandchildren, I felt the need to further learn how to be a more respondsible grandparent. I turned to "Parent Talk", so I could learn how to encourage self-esteem, respondsible behavior, and motivate the children to be the best they could be. An interesting and unexpected benefit was that, "Parent Talk" helped me communicate more effectively in all my relationships not just with the children. If you are interested in empowering your children or grandchildren or others, "Parent Talk " is the book for you. I think it should be on every school and home book shelf.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed the climate in our household, August 26, 2002

By	Kasey J. McQueen "book lover" (Franklin, MI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Parent Talk: Words That Empower, Words That Wound (Hardcover)

I saw Chick Moorman speak about Parent Talk and ultimately read the book at a time when I needed some guidance on parenting a 4 year old. I shared Chick's feelings of respect and responsibility for my son, but didn't know how to phrase these concepts "in the heat of the moment". This book taught me the way to say what I want my child to hear - that I love him and respect him and that I want to teach him to be responsible for his actions.

Each page is an example you can put into use immediately. It's common sense all good parents have been searching for.I have recommended this book to ever parent I know.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parent Talk: How to Talk to Your Children in Language That B, January 17, 2004

By	J.G.Baker (Baytown, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This is a great book! After 20 years of working with children, I thought I knew all the ways to speak to a child. But this book has given me new insight into the impact that our words have on children. It shows examples of how we inadvertently teach our children 'learned helplessness' and ways to teach them the process of making decisions, handling everyday happenings, and to make their own choices. I have also been amazed at how the advice in this book works with my teenager! So I ventured a step further and have used the advice in this book with co-workers, too, with some amazing results! It is easy to read and refer back to when necessary. Every parent should have a copy of this book handed to them when their children are born.