I originally checked this book out from the library. I got to page 58 and couldn't stand it anymore. So I bought a copy off ebay. There was so much good info. I just had to mark it up.It's an easy read for a parenting book at only 168 pages. It is written by Steve Biddulph an Australian family psychologist.
He reviews some things that I have read a million times, like labeling your children. He calls it Seeds in the mind: You hypnotize your children every single day and you may as well do it properly" or chapter two "It's cheaper than video games and healthier than ice cream". Referring to giving them proper attention.
My favorite chapter was #4 Kids and emotions
"...We are always feeling something-emotions are a symptom of being alive!. There are four basic emotions- anger, fear, sadness,and joy. All other shades of feeling are a mix of these-like colors mixed from the primaries. There are thousands of combinations possible such as jealousy, a mixture of anger and fear or nostalgia, a mixture of joy and sadness.
Anger is what makes us stand up for ourselves
Fear slows us down, forces us to stop, think and avoid danger-even when our conscious brain has not yet fathomed what that danger might be.
Sadness is the emotion that helps us grieve. It literally washes us clean of the distress of losing something or someone from our life.
Joy is what we experience when these needs are fulfilled."
He also talks about being an assertive parent, school, and proper diet/energy.
The appendix is enlightening "How you can help if you are a teacher, politician, grandparent, neighbor or friend"
He told about some situations he has seen in his practice and they are very thought provoking.
I liked this book and it is easy enough to read, that I will read it again and again and not just look at the parts I underlined.
