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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk
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The Whole-Brain Child
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Your toddler throws a tantrum in the middle of a store. Your preschooler refuses to get dressed. Your fifth-grader sulks on the bench instead of playing on the field. Do children conspire to make their parents’ lives endlessly challenging? No - it’s just their developing brain calling the shots! In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the best-selling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson demystify the meltdowns and aggravation, explaining the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures.
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An amazing gift for any parent.
- By Robert Mills on 2018-09-14
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How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen
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What do you do with a little kid who...won't brush her teeth...screams in his car seat...pinches the baby...refuses to eat vegetables...runs rampant in the supermarket? Organized according to common challenges and conflicts, this book is an essential emergency first-aid manual of communication strategies, including a chapter that addresses the special needs of children with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders.
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Great book just lacking a recap
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Loaded with real-life stories and answers to commonly asked questions, this new multimedia edition demonstrates simple, proven skills that can make relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding.
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Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
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Based on the latest research on brain development and extensive clinical experience with parents, Dr. Laura Markham's approach is as simple as it is effective. Her message: Fostering emotional connection with your child creates real and lasting change. When you have that vital connection, you don't need to threaten, nag, plead, bribe - or even punish. This remarkable guide will help parents better understand their own emotions - and get them in check - so they can parent with healthy limits, empathy, and clear communication.
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Aimed at babies, toddlers, and preschool age
- By Kimberley Handley on 2018-11-16
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No-Drama Discipline
- The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind
- Written by: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
- Narrated by: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
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-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Highlighting the fascinating link between a child’s neurological development and the way a parent reacts to misbehavior, No-Drama Discipline provides an effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears - without causing a scene. Defining the true meaning of the “d” word (to instruct, not to shout or reprimand), the authors explain how to reach your child, redirect emotions, and turn a meltdown into an opportunity for growth.
-
-
Great book full of great advice
- By Julie Eaves on 2018-03-20
-
Siblings Without Rivalry
- How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
- Written by: Adele Faber, Elaine Mazlish
- Narrated by: Kathe Mazur
- Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
-
Performance
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Story
Siblings Without Rivalry guides the way to family peace and tranquility with humor and compassion for both parents and children. Action oriented and easy to understand, it's packed with sensitive yet sensible ways to turn quarreling siblings and frustrated parents into an open, communicative family.
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some good content and valid points
- By Amazon Customer on 2019-01-18
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The Whole-Brain Child
- 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive
- Written by: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
- Narrated by: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
- Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins
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Your toddler throws a tantrum in the middle of a store. Your preschooler refuses to get dressed. Your fifth-grader sulks on the bench instead of playing on the field. Do children conspire to make their parents’ lives endlessly challenging? No - it’s just their developing brain calling the shots! In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the best-selling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson demystify the meltdowns and aggravation, explaining the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures.
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-
An amazing gift for any parent.
- By Robert Mills on 2018-09-14
-
How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen
- A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7
- Written by: Joanna Faber, Julie King
- Narrated by: Heather Alicia Simms, Michele Pawk, Candace Thaxton, and others
- Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
What do you do with a little kid who...won't brush her teeth...screams in his car seat...pinches the baby...refuses to eat vegetables...runs rampant in the supermarket? Organized according to common challenges and conflicts, this book is an essential emergency first-aid manual of communication strategies, including a chapter that addresses the special needs of children with sensory processing and autism spectrum disorders.
-
-
Great book just lacking a recap
- By Julia Abd Elseed on 2019-02-02
-
How to Be the Parent You Always Wanted to Be
- Written by: Adele Faber, Elaine Mazlish
- Narrated by: Adele Faber, Elaine Mazlish
- Length: 1 hr and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Loaded with real-life stories and answers to commonly asked questions, this new multimedia edition demonstrates simple, proven skills that can make relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding.
-
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids
- How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting
- Written by: Laura Markham
- Narrated by: Xe Sands
- Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
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Performance
-
Story
Based on the latest research on brain development and extensive clinical experience with parents, Dr. Laura Markham's approach is as simple as it is effective. Her message: Fostering emotional connection with your child creates real and lasting change. When you have that vital connection, you don't need to threaten, nag, plead, bribe - or even punish. This remarkable guide will help parents better understand their own emotions - and get them in check - so they can parent with healthy limits, empathy, and clear communication.
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Aimed at babies, toddlers, and preschool age
- By Kimberley Handley on 2018-11-16
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The Yes Brain
- How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child
- Written by: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
- Narrated by: Daniel J. Siegel, Tina Payne Bryson
- Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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When facing challenges, unpleasant tasks, and contentious issues such as homework, screen time, food choices, and bedtime, children often act out or shut down, responding with reactivity instead of receptivity. This is what New York Times best-selling authors Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson call a No Brain response. But our kids can be taught to approach life with openness and curiosity. Parents can foster their children's ability to say yes to the world and welcome all that life has to offer, even during difficult times.
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Another amazing book!
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-09-18
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The Explosive Child
- A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
- Written by: Dr. Ross W. Greene
- Narrated by: Dr. Ross W. Greene
- Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins
- Abridged
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Dr. Ross Greene, a distinguished clinician and pioneer in the treatment of kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, has worked with thousands of explosive children, and he has good news: these kids aren't attentionseeking, manipulative, or unmotivated, and their parents aren't passive, permissive disciplinarians. Rather, explosive kids are lacking some crucial skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving, and they require a different approach.
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Very good, we'll in formative.
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-12-17
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The Conscious Parent
- Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children
- Written by: Dr. Shefali Tsabary
- Narrated by: Dr. Shefali Tsabary
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Instead of being merely the receiver of the parents' psychological and spiritual legacy, children function as ushers of the parents' development. Parents unwittingly pass on an inheritance of psychological pain and emotional shallowness. To handle the behavior that results, traditional books on parenting abound with clever techniques for control and quick fixes for dysfunction. In Dr. Shefali Tsabary's conscious approach to parenting, however, children serve as mirrors of their parents' forgotten self.
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Amazing!
- By Amazon Customer on 2018-12-27
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Becoming
- Written by: Michelle Obama
- Narrated by: Michelle Obama
- Length: 19 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites listeners into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her - from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it - in her own words and on her own terms.
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Okay
- By Kendra Hastie on 2019-02-02
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The Explosive Child
- A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
- Written by: Ross W. Greene PhD
- Narrated by: Jessica J.N. Wells
- Length: 6 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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Performance
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Dr. Ross Greene, a distinguished clinician and pioneer in the treatment of kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, has worked with thousands of explosive children, and he has good news: These kids aren’t attention-seeking, manipulative, or unmotivated, and their parents aren’t passive, permissive pushovers. Rather, explosive kids are lacking some crucial skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving, and they require a different approach to parenting.
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Good content, awful narration.
- By scott on 2019-02-12
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Hold On to Your Kids
- Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers
- Written by: Gordon Neufeld
- Narrated by: Gabor Maté, Daniel Mate
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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International authority on child development Gordon Neufeld, PhD, joins forces with bestselling author Gabor Maté, MD, to tackle one of the most disturbing trends of our time: Children today looking to their peers for direction - their values, identity, and codes of behavior. This “peer orientation” undermines family cohesion, interferes with healthy development, and fosters a hostile and sexualized youth culture. Children end up becoming overly conformist, desensitized, and alienated, and being “cool” matters more to them than anything else.
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1-2-3 Magic
- Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 (6th edition)
- Written by: Thomas W. Phelan PhD
- Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
- Length: 7 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
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Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but every family faces challenges that can be frustrating and overwhelming. For more than 25 years, internationally renowned clinical psychologist Thomas W. Phelan's 1-2-3 Magic has helped millions of parents, teachers, and caregivers raise independent, emotionally intelligent children and build happier, healthier families - all through an easy to understand program that you'll swear "works like magic".
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The 5 Love Languages of Children
- The Secret to Loving Children Effectively
- Written by: Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell
- Narrated by: Chris Fabry
- Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
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Every child has a unique way of feeling loved. When you discover your child's love language - and how to speak it - you can build a solid foundation for your child to trust you and flourish as he or she grows. In this audiobook for parents, teachers, single parents, and more, Drs. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell offer practical advice for how to discover and speak your child's love language - in dozens of ways!
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Life changing book
- By Whitney on 2018-10-09
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Positive Discipline: The First Three Years, Revised and Updated Edition
- From Infant to Toddler-Laying the Foundation for Raising a Capable, Confident Child
- Written by: Jane Nelsen EdD, Cheryl Erwin MA, Roslyn Ann Duffy
- Narrated by: Vanessa Daniels
- Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Research has shown that the first three years in a child's life are a critical moment in their development, and that behavior patterns instilled during that time can have profound implications for the rest of a child's life. Hundreds of thousands of parents have already used the advice in Positive Discipline: The First Three Years to help set effective boundaries, forge strong foundations for healthy communication, and lay the groundwork for happy and respectful relationships with their young children.
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Parenting from the Inside Out
- How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive
- Written by: Daniel J. Siegel, Mary Hartzell
- Narrated by: Daniel J. Siegel
- Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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In this best-selling classic, child psychiatrist and coauthor of The Whole Brain Child, Daniel J. Siegel and early childhood expert Mary Hartzell explore the extent to which our childhood experiences shape the way we parent. Illuminating important research in the field of interpersonal neurobiology, Siegel and Hartzell explain how the parent-child relationship directly affects brain development, and offer parents a step-by-step approach to forming a deeper understanding of their own life stories to help them raise compassionate and resilient children.
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Fantastic
- By Hollie on 2018-09-13
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No Bad Kids
- Toddler Discipline Without Shame
- Written by: Janet Lansbury
- Narrated by: Janet Lansbury
- Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Janet Lansbury is unique among parenting experts. As a RIE teacher and student of pioneering child specialist Magda Gerber, her advice is not based solely on formal studies and the research of others, but also on her twenty years of hands-on experience guiding hundreds of parents and their toddlers. No Bad Kids is a collection of Janet's most popular and widely read articles pertaining to common toddler behaviors and how respectful parenting practices can be applied to benefit both parents and children.
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Extremely friendly and easy to understand approach
- By Oscar Nieto on 2019-01-28
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Raising Boys with ADHD
- Secrets for Parenting Healthy, Happy Sons
- Written by: Mary Anne Richey, James Forgan PhD
- Narrated by: James Forgan PhD
- Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Written by two professionals who have "been there and done that" with their own sons with ADHD, Raising Boys with ADHD empowers parents to help their sons with ADHD find success in school and beyond. The book covers topics not often found in other parenting guides, such as the preschool years, early diagnosis and strategies for teens transitioning to work and college. Filled with practical knowledge, resources, and tools needed to help parents address the many strengths and challenges of boys with ADHD, this book provides parents with encouragement and hope for the future.
Publisher's Summary
The ultimate “parenting bible” (The Boston Globe) with a new Foreword—a timeless, beloved book on how to effectively communicate with your child from the number-one New York Times best-selling authors.
Internationally acclaimed experts on communication between parents and children, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish “are doing for parenting today what Dr. Spock did for our generation” (Parent Magazine). Now, this best-selling classic includes fresh insights and suggestions as well as the author’s time-tested methods to solve common problems and build foundations for lasting relationships, including innovative ways to:
- Cope with your child's negative feelings, such as frustration, anger, and disappointment
- Express your strong feelings without being hurtful
- Engage your child's willing cooperation
- Set firm limits and maintain goodwill
- Use alternatives to punishment that promote self-discipline
- Understand the difference between helpful and unhelpful praise
- Resolve family conflicts peacefully
Enthusiastically praised by parents and professionals around the world, the down-to-earth, respectful approach of Faber and Mazlish makes relationships with children of all ages less stressful and more rewarding.
What the critics say
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- Exanime
- 2018-03-21
Maybe back in the 70's
This book may have been a sensation back in the 70's but by today's standards it's just OK. The entire book is based on work by Dr. Haim Ginott (which as far as I can see, was completely ripped off by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish after attending his workshops) and can be summarized as follows:
* Never deny or ignore a child's feelings
* Only behavior is treated as unacceptable, not the child
* Depersonalize negative interactions by mentioning only the problem. "I see a messy room."
* Attach rules to things, e.g., "Little sisters are not for hitting."
* Dependence breeds hostility, let children do for themselves what they can
* Children need to learn to choose, but within the safety of limits.
* Limit criticism to a specific event—don't say "never", "always", as in: "You never listen," "You always manage to spill things"
* Refrain from using words that you would not want the child to repeat
* Ignore irrelevant behavior
The above advice by Dr. Ginott is sound, but in this book they do not explain the reasons why this works, they simply tell you what to do and spend the entire book selling their approach with anecdotal stories that border on the ridiculous...
Example:
Wrong way
Dad "Johnny, clean your room!!!, it's a mess you are a filthy animal, you'll never learn, you'll always be a failure, I should give you a good smack" (I'm not kidding, the "wrong way" examples are this much over the top
Kid "I hate you!"
Right way
Dad "I see a messy room"
Kid "I'll clean it up right away daddy... I love you so much... I will also do my homework and call grandma before saying my prayers and going to be an hour early" (again, not kidding, as soon as you apply the "right way" kids suddenly transform into magical unicorns
To top it all, this particular version of the book is about half full with the old 70's book and the last 6 chapters are just letters from parents telling these authors how amazing they are and how they saved the world (it felt like a giant ego stroke)... I feel everybody would be far better served by just reading Dr. Ginott's original work "Between Parent and Child (1965, Macmillan)"
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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- SepidehSanaz
- 2018-09-21
A Must Have Reference Book
As a child I remember that this book was one of the reference book which my mom used to study it in University for her psychology ckass.
I rember that I really liked it because of the drawings and illustrations which made it very easy for me to understand such facts as child.
30 years passed and I became a mom myself. During all these years I have tried to find this book again and asked my mom thousands of times, but she could not remember the title. To make the story short I picked this book in #Audible1 and finished it.
As a habbit I buy a hard copy of the books that I listened to and enjoyed for future reference. I did purchase this book though in order to translate it ti farsi, when I have got to the second chapter of the book- for translation purpose-I immedietly recalled the comic like drawings!!!I went through the book like crazy so happy that I finally found this book after all these years.
I have searched the title in Farsi and found thd version that I have seen jn my childhood. Yup no need to translate, it was re published more than 100 times already!!!
Anyhow...this is a must read book for every parents whi want to raise confident yet emotionally intelligent children. I just don't know why my mom did nit follow the instruction for her real life outsude if the university?? lol. I have all versions of this book , Paper, pdf, Audio....so it is in my immediate access when I need it.
To my experience it will be much beneficial to start with the paper book at first hand , because there are some assigments after each chapter which will be so so beneficial if you take your time and do it/ write it.
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- Jennifer Booker
- 2018-08-31
A must read for all parents! So helpful!
This was just what I was looking for and has inspired me to keep on with becoming a more effective parent for my children. My kids and I will benefit so much from the changes I will be implementing.
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- LinAng
- 2018-08-05
A book well worth your time.
Insightful. Educational. Hopeful.
I cannot wait to use my new-found knowledge and understanding. Thank You.
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- Utilisateur anonyme
- 2018-05-30
Ok content, narration could be better
I am not a fan of the narration, I kept finding myself tuning out due to the monotone robotic-like voice.
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- Kyle Landry
- 2018-05-24
good!
listen to this book with notepad and pen in hand. discuss with your partner and complete the exercises.
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- Ta
- 2018-02-20
I'm so glad that my friend told me about the book!
valuable skills to have for dealing with the most precious people in our lives. just remember that change doesn't happen overnight. it takes alot of patience and perseverance. and it's worth it.
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- Neil
- 2018-01-06
great book
amazing book and great delivery. hope to see more of these type of books available
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- R
- 2015-03-16
Not ideal in audio, but good none the less.
I like audio books because I can listen when I need to be looking at something else, or when I can't hold a book. Unfortunately this book contains worksheets which aren't available in audio format. Perhaps pdfs could be made available.
82 of 83 people found this review helpful
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- John
- 2013-01-02
Best. Parenting. Book. Ever.
What did you love best about How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk?
This is a very special (audio) book. It has transformed my relationship with my son and influenced how I listen and communicate in my professional life.
This book gets overwhelmingly positive reviews and I am writing this review to help other parents find this wonderful book.
My wife and I were very proud of our positive parenting. We had received many positive compliments from friends and strangers regarding our positive parenting. Unfortunately, when we hit a rash of poor behaviour when our son began attending school, we began to question ourselves and our parenting techniques. This uncertainty lead to a downward spiral of 'old school' discipline based parenting, turning every disagreement into a battle that had to be won. Instead of helping my son's discipline, it worsened. Each time it worsened, we decided we needed more discipline. The cycle continued until I found this book.
This book was similar to how we had initially decided to parent our son, but the devil is in the details and the notion that every interaction with my son could be an opportunity for him to communicate HIS thoughts and develop HIS decision making skills and confidence was a subtle yet extremely powerful shift in thinking. Its not only about me showing love and positivity to my son, its about ensuring he feels confident and positive about himself. Yes, there is a difference.
I have developed much more patience and understanding, as a result of this audiobook. There is no question that the daily interactions with my son take much longer, especially initially, though I have come to realize that this extra time is really important and essential to being a good parent. Like most things in life, long term effective solutions are always more time consuming and complex than short term quick fixes.
That being said, my son has now developed very effective problem solving and communication skills. These skills have have allowed us to spend our time and attention learning and sharing thoughts on how to solve problems; instead of locking wills and trying to defeat one another in a battle of wills.
After adopting the techniques in this book, I can honestly say that I have experienced a very special transformation in the relationship I have with my son. I am in awe of his creative problem solving skills, he surprises me daily, and we have developed an even deeper bond of love and support.
I recall thinking, as I listened to the audiobook, that a number of the examples seemed very hokey and the descriptions of how children would react to simple questions as a little too perfect. Yet once putting the techniques into practice, I found myself often reaching for paper to write down the incredible responses my son would have to the simple questions.
There is an example in the book, where it advises parents to consider the power of saying 'you must be proud of yourself', rather than 'I am proud of you'. I have seen a number of negative or mediocre reviews that cite this as a criticism. While I still mix in the odd 'I am proud of you' I will never forget the look of contemplation, nod of agreement and then smile of satisfaction my son's face when I first said 'you must be proud of yourself'. I could tell that he had not really thought of his good behaviour in terms of what it meant to him. Its now something he has developed strongly within himself.
He now thinks of himself as brave, loyal and kind. He sees every day as an opportunity to learn new things and solve his own problems.I don't expect that my son will always do what I want but I can count on him to confidently tell me why he acted a certain way and listen.
138 of 143 people found this review helpful
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- jill
- 2012-08-13
Great Story but leaves me wanting to jot notes
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Totally LOVE this book. I have read a lot of parenting books but this one seems to treat children as unique individuals with unique personalities who require unique care and upbringing. It emphasizes respect and autonomy for the child rather than punishment and rewards.
The trouble is that there are things in the book to ponder and consider and even role play. It is tough with an audio book. it was tough to give serious consideration on the fly with the next paragraph being read. Also, I found myself wanting to take a few notes to help me remember a few lessons that would help with my own children and unable to do so as I was commuting to work in the car.
I highly recommend this book and even though it is read very well I would suggest a paper copy rather than the audio version.
What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk?
showing respect for children
What about Susan Bennett’s performance did you like?
her tone of voice exemplified a 'normal' mother's voice showing happiness at times and exhaustion and frustration at times.
Did How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk inspire you to do anything?
treat my children better
Any additional comments?
I plan on buying the paper version so that I can refer to it often!
46 of 48 people found this review helpful
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- Rich
- 2016-06-18
Sound Advice You Can Immediately Apply
Faber and Mazlish's "How to Talk" has endured for over 30+ years in countries all over the globe for good reason: the techniques taught in this book make logical sense, are easily applicable in your daily family life, and have immediate impact. Below is a bullet summary of my highlights from this title. While the read is short (I finished it in six days), the lessons are invaluable. Bennett's narration is fine--if anything, you can really crank the playback speed on this title, the material is easy to understand.
- Listen to and acknowledge your child's emotions. You wouldn't ignore physical hurt, so why would you ignore emotional hurt? Accepting your child's feelings are the cornerstone of this program. Limit the action of a negative feeling.
- At the same time, don't solve the child's problems. Reword the problem for them, perhaps be their brainstorm partner. ("What can we do to fix this?") Encourage them to generate solutions and talk. Foster autonomy. Give them choices ("either we can keep playing or read a bedtime story, but not both. You pick.").
- Can't get your child to behave the way you need them to? Objectively describe what you see, explain the consequence, explain your feelings. Often just one word ("pajamas!") or writing a note ("Dear Jack, I wish you would use me more. I miss you at night. Love, Your Toothbrush.") can communicate volumes.
- Sometimes, you shouldn't use please. Commands are commands, not favors.
- If your child is frustrated or on the verge of tantrum, make them draw on paper. Ask them to draw their feelings and confirm that you "see" how they feel. Often, the child can go from scribbling to drawing happy scenes in minutes once they have been acknowledged. (I actually saw this happen with the first time I tried this with my 3.5yo daughter!)
- Being "sorry" is more than a word. It means that you will change future behavior. Follow through with apologies.
- Punishment focuses on reprimanding the past. Consequences focus on improving the future. Always focus on improving the future when correcting the child. Done properly, future-focused consequences build trust. Punishments destroy trust. If there's a recurring problem, get to the core of the problem and fix THAT. ("I didn't know my child was so scared of the dark. That's why she keeps getting out of bed. Let's get some nightlights.")
- Do NOT talk about your kid like an object, especially if they are within earshot. If others are talking about your child's inabilities, openly state "when she's ready, she'll do that." That shows your confidence in your child that they will grow up independent someday.
- Praise MUST be descriptive. "Good" or "wonderful" by itself is empty and confusing. Describe what you see when you offer praise. Often, one-word praise is the best ("You helped take the dishes to the sink! That's one responsible girl."). These turn into immutable snapshots for the child.
- Developing self-esteem is one of the most important jobs as a parent. The world will do its job of trying to break self-esteem as they grow into adults. This is your chance to give them invaluable tools for life in self-praise by giving correct praise yourself.
- Never use comparisons as praise, especially with siblings.
- Pre-determined roles are a self-fulfilling prophecy. ("Jack is such a goof-off.") You as a parent can combat that. Show them literal or figurative pictures of themselves in more positive roles. Let the child hear you talk about them in a positive role. Be a memory for all their past good examples, recalling them to the child when necessary. If the child regresses, simply state your feelings and expectations.
- Preschoolers have a tough time with the concept of winning and losing. Let everyone finish the Candy Land course, don't just stop the game when the first person finishes.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
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- thinblu
- 2013-11-23
Good but too long...
What made the experience of listening to How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk the most enjoyable?
The book provided some excellent techniques for appreciating the perspective of a child and respecting them.
Any additional comments?
While definitely useful, it seemed as though the suggestions were overly redundant and could have been delivered in a more efficient, less repetitive manner.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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- familyman1
- 2014-03-10
Great for Compliant, but NOT Strong Willed Child
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
Including information for difficult children, not just ones who are likely to respond to simple reasoning and soft consequences. (The author refuses to call anything punishment.)
What do you think your next listen will be?
Setting Limits with your Strong Willed Child. Robert MacKenzie.
Have you listened to any of Susan Bennett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No
You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?
Yes. I think the portions about open ended questions had benefit and I also do think this could be a good book for someone who already has a good mutually respectful relationship with their kid and just want ways to further improve that. However, these strategies will not work on more difficult kids, the so called strong willed child. This book will be very un-helpful for you.
Any additional comments?
When I 1st listened to this book I probably would have given it 4 or 5 stars, but after I tried using its techniques, I realized it was not written with 1 of my children in mind, which is why I bought the book in the 1st place. This book sounds good and indeed much in it is good for the "compliant child" which is why I am sure it does work good for some parents and their kids who are compliant. Furthermore, its intrinsically a very "passive parenting" approach that makes parents already doing this passive parenting feel good about what they are doing and indeed encourages them to double down on their current strategy, but does little to help them with more difficult, non compliant children. Although I really do use some of these strategies with my compliant children, it is a disaster for the others and I assure you they will walk all over you. So if you want a 'feel good" book that basically says, your doing great, keep being passive and keep do what "feels" like the best parenting method with little guidance on more difficult children, go for it. However, for those of us looking for books to help with our more difficult children, I recommend Setting Limits with your Strong Willed Child by Robert MacKenzie.
33 of 37 people found this review helpful
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- Tasha S.
- 2016-04-20
Wow! Simply AMAZING!
This book has changed my way of thinking and how I communicate! This is not just for parents, but teachers and pretty much anyone else who spends time talking with children. Love this book!
These are skills easily transferable to communication with other adults as well. We all need to be a little more empathetic at times. :)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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- Renita
- 2013-04-16
Needs note to support the listening.
Where does How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
I could benefit from notes accompanying the book. I don't think I will purchase the book, but given a choice, I would go with the book so that I could refer to it easily.
What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk?
Talk of punishment, how it works and doesn't work.
Have you listened to any of Susan Bennett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
no
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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- Tim
- 2012-06-25
Might seem too soft for some but the results are proven!
I kept feeling conflicted by letting my 16 year old daughter get away with certain behaviors. Instead of fighting with her I acknowledge her feelings and she takes it from there. Very effective methods even if often they feel like you're letting your child get away with somethings you shouldn't. Intrinsic motivation is what's being encouraged. Wonderful book that has stood the test of 3 decades!
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 2012-09-22
Invaluable
What did you like best about this story?
This book provides practical how-to skills to use in handling challenging issues with children. In fact, many of the skills are quite useful in all relationships. I was able to immediately apply much of what I learned.
Any additional comments?
If you have children or work with children, don't hesitate to give this a listen. It really can be life-changing for you and the children in your life. The skills require practice and adaptation for each unique relationship, but they can make a radical difference in our relationships with children.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful