Putting Family First: Successful Strategies for Reclaiming Family Life in a Hurry-Up World (Paperback)

by William J. Doherty (Author), Barbara Carlson (Author) "8:30, Tim is now home, and the kids' eight combined activities are over for the day. Although not every day is this busy, the Scofields..." (more)
Key Phrases: underconnected families, logistics talk, family dinner rituals, True False, Mary Ann, Putting First Things First (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Cofounders of Family Life First, Doherty and Carlson believe that "family relationships are the irreplaceable core of a full human life" and that soccer practice, violin lessons, and other extracurricular activities serve to overwhelm children and distance them from their loved ones. Reclaiming the family meal, where parents establish and lead rituals (e.g., discussion, prayer) instead of just eating as quickly as possible, allows everyone to reconnect. This, in turn, eases further reclaiming, e.g., vacations and bedtimes. Although the authors' passion sometimes smacks of zeal, there is much practical advice here for parents, including single parents and stepfamilies. John Rosemond's New Parent Power! has a similar message, while Jim Taylor's Positive Pushing: How To Raise a Successful and Happy Child presents an intense counterpoint. With its warm, reassuring tone and lots of examples from real families, Doherty and Carlson's book is recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The founders of a lauded family advocacy organization present a guide for reclaiming family life, even in the most hectic households.

In the past twenty years, children's free time has declined by twelve hours a week, time spent on structured sports activities has doubled, family dinners are down by a third, and the number of families taking vacations together has decreased by 28 percent. When William J. Doherty and Barbara Z. Carlson observed this trend in their own families and community, they took action and founded Family Life First, an organization committed to helping parents reclaim family time.

Doherty and Carlson offer realistic ways to regain valuable family connections and embark on more balanced, meaningful relationships at home. Drawing on their years of hands-on experience, they share tips for time-crunched parents on how to:

--get everyone to sit down for family meals
--make bedtime a meaningful end to the day
--plan family outings and vacations
--make time for your marriage

More than just a time-management manual, this book delves into the issues that lie at the heart of all family-related choices, revealing innovative ways to address scheduling conflicts, competitiveness, and the many other situations that cause daily angst. Offering a new perspective on a fraying institution, Putting Family First restores a sense of fulfillment, fun, and security to the family once again.


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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks; 1st edition (August 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805068384
• ISBN-13: 978-0805068382
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #90,117 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, January 5, 2003

By	Eileen (United States) - See all my reviews

A thought provoking book that examines how our family life has slipped away from us because of overscheduling of activities, as well as the addiction to tv and computer. Offers excellent guidelines for getting back on track and reconnecting with our family and community. I am putting some of these ideas to practice in my own family, and find that we are becoming much closer. Who should read this? Anyone who wishes to become closer to their loved ones, and is concerned with the hectic pace of their lives.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great stories, September 30, 2003

By	Sue - See all my reviews

This book was helpful for me because it had stories about real families, real struggles, and personal solutions. I've found the most helpful tips always come from other families or parents. This book offers plenty!!