Archive for July, 2008

Connection Parenting: Parenting Through Connection Instead of Coercion, Through Love Instead of Fear by Pam Leo

This is one of the few parenting books I’ve requested that my husband read cover-to-cover.  It does deal with some specifics about discipline, more it’s more a generally philosophy of respectful child-rearing that I find solace and strength in returning to from time to time.  Pam Leo says a lot of the same things Alfie Kohn does in “Unconditional Parenting,” but in a more concise, easy-to-read way.  

 

Leo includes worksheets/ journaling ideas in each chapter.  I have never completed these, though I think they could be useful if you’re trying to work through childhood issues of your own.

 

Pros:  Great summary of a way to raise children that promotes autonomy, kindness, and real communication.

 

Cons:  May focus too much on self-therapy for some parents, but it’s easy to skip those sections if you wish.

 

Connection Parenting on Amazon.com

 

 

 

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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

This book is referred to on its cover as the “parenting bible,” and in terms of communication, it is true for me.  The goal of this book is to teach you how to live and communicate respectfully with children, without using punishment or coercion.  The skills can apply to a broader audience, though: there are tips that can help you communicate more effectively and kindly with anyone.  

 

I plan to read more of their books.  This was an amazingly quick read and cut straight to the point.  The chapters are well-organized and it’s easy to find a particular skill to review.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn a new technique for communication with their children.

 

Pros:  Lots of tools and ideas, anecdotal information that illustrates the skills in “real-life,” clear, concise language

 

Cons:  None, really… except that there’s a lot of information here and it may require multiple leads to allow more of it to sink in.

 

How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk on Amazon.com

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