Rating: 
Summary: A Little Alarming!!
Review: While I am in complete agreement with the basic thesis that there is not enough discipline of children today, and feel that there may in extreme circumstrances be the occasional need for spanking, I was alarmed by this book. He speaks lovingly of having his legs switched by his mother, and though he protests that he does not believe in child abuse, it is difficult to understand where he draws that line. Also, be warned that the author emphasizes Christianity (and occasionally broadens it to the "judeo-Christian" heritage)often in the book as seemingly the only belief system that can provide the basis for an effective system of discipline. Non-Christians may find this idea offensive.
Rating: 
Summary: James says what parents need to hear.
Review: People may vary on their acceptance of the specific techniques that James gives for discipline. But it is very hard to argue with his basic philosophies. Parents need to be in charge, direct defiance has to be confronted immediately and consistency is what matters. This book has made it possible for me to raise 5 great kids. I've read other books on this subject but they tend to be tips and techniques instead of focusing on basic philosophy, the way that Dr. Dobson does.
Rating:
Summary: Speaking from the heart
Review: As a teacher I read this book for discipline in my classroom. If you truly read Dr. Dobson's book he is talking about respect for your fellow human being. He is not talking about abusing your child, although I could see how an extremist could read the book that way. Dr. Dobson is showing you, as a parent, how to teach your child right and wrong...basic fundamentals. I see too many children, whose parents have tried the "hands off" approach, become violent and lash out at their world. These children have no boundaries and, when I see them as teens in my classroom, they are often angry at the world and at their parents. As a parent I can and have applied his advice. It has worked beautifully thus far. Read this book with an open mind, and read it carefully. You can learn a lot from his words.
Rating: 
Summary: Would be laughable except that people believe it!
Review: My parents used the original "Dare to Discipline" book while I was growing up, as did several of their friends in the Mormon church. As a result, instead of learning to love, respect and obey my parents, as the book suggested I would, I learned to fear and hate them. Hearing my father say he "loved me" immediately after punishment as advocated in the book was horribly confusing. Being forced to respond that I "loved him too" was worse. For me, it became a bitter contest of wills, which I cannot say either of us won, unless me hating my father, avoiding him, and finally, simply feeling sorry for him means I "won." Yes, that's just wonderful, Mr. Dobsen. Thank you for your part. Dobsen wants parents to break their children like animals, and wrongly uses the name of Christ to advocate violence and total control. He seems so sure he is correct, he may not know how smug he seems. I am disheartened that this new version of the book exists, since the original brought so much misery to my little childhood.
Rating:
Summary: Youth Violence
Review: Dr. Dobson speaks like a man of God. You all wonder why school violence is on the rise. You wonder why children kill others. No Discipline. All these feel good (let your child do what they want) people out there should be the ones reading this book.As a Christian (defined- knowing Christ as my personal savior) with a strong-willed child this book has helped my wife and me greatly. I am so glad my mother disciplined me. It made me a better man and a great father. Our society is only going to get worse. Take God out of schools, and we have all seen what has happened. I for one am scared of some of these parents that have criticized Dr. Dobson and his book. Keep God at the head of your house and show your children the way to Jesus
Rating:
Summary: Don't waste your time - trust your instincts
Review: I read this book a few years ago and I am happy to say totally ignored this advice. How can anybody take this guy seriously? Why would any parent subject their child to this kind of treatment? I have four children -- they are now between the ages of 8 and 14. They're polite, helpful, sensitive and kind. They all do well in school and they are always welcome at their friends' homes. Their teachers have often commented on what nice kids they are. They're not perfect; there are always moments that will try a parent's patience. But, I'm happy to say they are all the kind of children any parent would be proud of. It really upsets me that well-meaning new parents might read this book and adhere to these guidelines. When I hear people with grown children lamenting about how they never hear from their children I wonder how many of them subjected their children to this type of discipline? If they were my parents I wouldn't want anything to do with them either. I am not really a religious person, but using the term "Christian" to describe this type of child rearing is ludicrous.
Rating: 
Summary: You can immediately apply these principles for good results.
Review: My wife bought this book at a time when I felt like my 3-year-old was taking charge of me. I was skeptical -- all I knew of Dr. Dobson was his interviewing of that serial killer who claimed that pornography played a role in his violence, and I didn't think that link was made clearly enough for Dobson to draw his conclusions. But indeed, Dobson has written a practical, thoughtful, and effective guide. Not only has it helped me regain calm composure and even hand with my young ones, it has given me insight into ways to help build my sons' characters for the long term. Bravo, Dr. Dobson!
Rating:
Summary: Thank You
Review: Thank You so much Dr. Dobson for a book with advice that works. I am the mother of one child, but I have been a pre-school teacher for many. The books we had to go by in the daycare didn't even begin to build self control in children. I was slapped, kicked and abused by four year olds. Thankfully I can apply your book to my own child and she will become an adult with a happy life, because she will have learned self- discipline.
Rating:
Summary: James Dobson shoots straight at the target!
Review: The original "Dare to Discipline" was great for parents, and the new one is even better. Dr. Dobson carefully explains the needs that are most important to kids and their parents. He lays out his belief, complete with scripture references. While it is obvious that child abuse has increased, the need to correctly discipline children has increased even more. James Dobson shows how teaching and training must be loving yet strict enough to sometimes be called old fashioned. This is a must-read for all newlyweds and especially new parents. It is as relevant now as it was when I first read it several years ago.
Rating:
Summary: Zero stars
Review: ... If you want kids who are respectful, then model respect. If you want kids who are compassionate, then model compassion. Hitting another human being is the ultimate act of contempt and degredation. If you are even the slightest bit tempted to follow Dobson's antiquated advice, I recommend that you read these two books: "For Your Own Good" by Alice Miller, and "The Altruistic Personality" by Samuel Oliner.
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