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Rating: 
Summary: bad advice
Review: As a counsellor, I have long admired and respected John Gray for his vast and learned knowledge and for his ability as a writer. "Children Are from Heaven" is a beautiful concept. Grey reinforces the power of positive attitudes in the role of parenting. He bases his philosophy on the concepts it is okay to be different(we are all unique individuals,) okay to make mistakes(we learn from our mistakes,) it is okay to express negative emotion (children also have negative feelings,) it is okay to want more(wanting more, incourages children to dream, achieve and reach for the stars,) and it is okay to say,"no" but remember Mom and/or Dad are still the boss (children will test limits, both yours and theirs.)The book contains very accurate and positive information; however, Gray's concept about raising children with a positive attitude is nothing new in our modern-day world. What is extremely disheartening is the fact not all parents understand the importance of, nor do they implement, a nurturing and positive environment for their children. The approach taken here is similar to many found in other professionally written parenting books, except the author has chosen different words and his own unique writing style to relay the concept. I expected to find an expanded version or a new theory in Gray's book but that did not happen. For this reason, the book received a rating of four stars and not five. Regardless of what words are used, the book still contains a valuable message, and it is certainly worth reading...no matter how many times you may have read or heard the message before.
Rating: 
Summary: Discipline While Keeping The Dignity of Parent & Child
Review: Gray shares a welcome sensible perspective on raising children of all ages that keeps the parents in complete charge while encouraging the parents to respect and understand the kid's feelings. That does not mean the kids always or even usually get their way. My older children (9, 12 and 15) have told me during our calmer more rational discussions, outside the heat of the moment, that they like the change is MY behavior and they feel more like I'm on their side rather than the enemy on their backs screaming, insulting, and punishing like I used to. The younger kids (4 and 6) also seem to cooperate more when I acknowlege their feelings and then clearly state and stick to the boundaries. We are by no means wimpy parents with our 5 kids; however, we have become more aware of separately addresing feelings from behavior. I find myself much calmer and listening a lot more than I used to. The amazing thing is that my husband and I have stopped much of the yelling, threatening, and searching for an even harsher punishment that wasn't really working anyway. Another book that really is very compatible with Gray's thoughts is called "The Pocket Parent". It has hundreds of suggestions to try with your 2-5 year old, focusing on most of the annoying behaviors that often drive even the best parent to the edge of their sanity. I highly recommend both books that specifically teach you how to change your behavior first inorder to get more cooperation from the kids.
Rating:
Summary: Discipline While Keeping The Dignity of Parent & Child
Review: I am an avid reader and could not make it through this book. His other books were so good. I could not have predicted what a disapointment this book would turn out to be. In applying some of the recommended techniques, my 11 year old daughter, Emily, thought I lost my mind. Thank goodness things are back to normal. We are both much healthier having now dispensed with the advice.
Rating:
Summary: This book oozes with psychobabble and ill advice
Review: I received this book as a Christmas present and was so looking forward to reading it. As a mother of a ten-month old son, I thought I would be able to read about positive parenting skills and gather some good information. I was so disappointed and even appalled at this book. I couldn't even get to the second chapter in one sitting. I ended up throwing it across the room. I know that so many people have written about how great this book is and how wonderful the advice is. I wholeheartedly disagree! There are tidbits of advice that can be useful, such as communicating with your children and telling them that "it's okay to express negative emotions" and "it's okay to be different". However, tidbits of decent information do not make a good book. If you are looking for alternatives to spanking, then you may want to consider this book. However, if you believe that spanking (not beating or abusing your child) is okay and actually needed for some children, than this book is NOT for you! (The author even states that if you plan to follow his advice precisely, you can't spank your child at all). I am by no means saying that spanking should be the only form of discipline. However, some of the alternatives mentioned in this book are simply laughable. One suggestion is to give your teenager a timeout and tell them, that they are not respecting your feelings. I actually laughed out loud when I read that. I would have lost all respect for my mother if she ever said that to me when I was a teenager. I am only 29 and I know that spanking is not outdated. If my mother would not have spanked me, I would have pushed her to the edge. I am THANKFUL she did so with me. And I can safely say that I am by no means a violent person or a person with low self-esteem. As for the author's opinion of "today's children are more sensitive and intelligent therefore, fear-based punishment doesn't work", what a crock of psychobabble. My sister-in-law works with juvenile delinquents and troubled teens and counsels them everyday. She says the biggest problem today is lack of discipline. By talking to these kids one on one, she has been able to find out from THEM that they've never had discipline in their homes, nor communication. Some of them even admit, that had they been disciplined they would probably not be in the situations they put themselves in. This book teaches that children learn responsibility from their parents. True. But every scenario the author gives, blames the parent, whether it's the child breaking something or hitting another child. Children need to learn self-control and the ability to take responsibility for their own actions. The author's teachings make excuses for every wrongful act a child commits. When children misbehave it is not always the parents' fault. I could go on and on about other ridiculous scenarios the author presents but I think what I've said thus far should suffice. I sincerely could not recommend this book to anyone. As a matter of fact, you will probably see my copy up for sale pretty soon.
Rating: 
Summary: The perfect trilogy!
Review: I see this book as a third pillar in a self-help trilogy from Dr. Gray together with "How to get what you want..." and "...Together forever". The book reveals to a great extent how a person's childhood and adolescence affect his perceptions about life, and the way he raises up his children later. I have seen parents who followed 2 or 3 skills out of the five that Dr. Gray mentioned, but not all five. That implied either "soft" or "hard" parenting which ARE negative methods. But the way stipulated in that book, from my prospective, is really THE positive way! My uncle has raised up his son in a way very close to Gray's method, and now he has a World Champion in Karate with very high self-esteem! I am longing for the next gem from you Dr. Gray! Well done!
Rating:
Summary: boring boring boring
Review: I started to read this book and it lost my interest quick! I read the first 38 pages and never picked it up again. My friends agreed that its very repetitive & boring. There is many excellent parenting books out there, don't waist your valuable time on this one.
Rating:
Summary: Great Advice!
Review: I'm halfway through this book and have already received great advice on how to treat my 3 boys in various situations. They have 3 very different personalities, and I definitely see ways I can improve my parenting with them by following most of the guidelines in my book. I have realized that spanking is not the way, and it only makes my youngest madder. Positive re-inforcement is much more helpful. I gave the book 4 stars because I don't agree with everyhing the author says - like he doesn't believe that children under the age of 9 need choices - I find giving them choices gives them improved self esteem and a sense of control over their lives. That being said, there are some great ideas in this book I intend to put to use.
Rating:
Summary: Hard to Read
Review: Loved his other books but this was all over the place, hard to read, and to apply.
Rating:
Summary: Positive Parenting
Review: The need of the hour is 'Positive Parenting' and this is exactly what John Gray, the author gives a message in this book. Not only the western new age free world is facing parental problems but Indian culture is also on a shift notion to face challenges tackling parental challenges. The five messages and the wise advice of the author makes it very clear to follow by parents to get the parenting skills. Love base parenting accepts kids with their negative emotions, desires and needs, being different but setting reasonable limits and making the kids aware that they are to be respected is the message flow in the book. Children are innocent and born with a difference and needs rewarding and not punishment. They need to co-operate and both parents and kids need to build a close bond to pull out of parental stress, kids stress and the crisis hovering over parental and kids issues. A good pick by a gem author.
Rating:
Summary: not a parent? doesn't matter!
Review: this book is absolutely brilliant! it tells us how we should communicate with children with the correct approaches. from the book you'll also know that children can be grouped into four types - sensitive, active, responsible, and receptive. these terms may seem new to you but after reading it you will know that children are from heaven, they are born to be cooperative. well you see, i'm only 18, yet i think this book really teaches me a lot. not only does it provide positive parenting skills, but also everything that you need to know about children. you don't have to be a parent to read Children Are From Heaven. if you like kids, then this book is for you.
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