Rating: 
Summary: The Only Parenting Book I Recommend Now
Review: When this book was recommended by a college teacher with no children, I was skeptical, but I borrowed it from the library. The introduction has an all-too-familiar story about a mother in a grocery store with her rascals. This did soften me toward the book, as it reinforced the reasons behind my earlier desperate moves to curb my own four children's shopping behavior.I enjoyed the a comparison of the two extremes, permissive parenting (Helicopter Parents) and authoritarian (Drill Sergeant Parents). There was really nothing new in this comparison of the two extremes that are also covered in other parenting and relationship books, but it didn't stay on this review. It also went into how our pets are typically better trained than our children, and spent a little time discussing "Basic German Shepherd," which was an eye-opener to me. I realized that my children should obey simple commands (come, stay, sit, etc.) more reliably by this time. I found that although this book does not condone spanking, and does not claim to be from a Biblical perspective, it fits with a Biblical worldview and does quote from Scripture, although in an indirect way that wouldn't offend secular readers. It's all about training up a child in the way he should go. As my children grow up, spanking becomes less and less appropriate and their acceptance of responsibility for themselves and their choices becomes more and more crucial. This book doesn't neglect the "love" portion of the title, either. The authors make a case for the loving choice for parents is to teach our children to be responsible and to make good choices, but they also point out ways to communicate that love. They mention eye contact, physical contact, and empathetic responses, all of which were a tremendous practical help to me. I borrowed this book from the library several times before finally purchasing my own copy. There's really nothing new in it, but a very good refresher course that I must read periodically as my children (and therefore I) move from stage to stage in their growth.
Rating: 
Summary: Common Sense Thinking
Review: I really enjoyed this book. My brother-in-law is a first grade teacher and highly recommended this book to me. I found it very interesting and will definately use a lot of the skills in my parenting. I am trying to change my ways of thinking- It will take some practicing. I was raised totally opposite. I think it is wonderful b/c it teaches children that there are consequences to your actions and it teaches parents to let their children make mistakes.
Rating:
Summary: Parenting with Love and Scripture
Review: Cline and Fay offer parents practical guidelines for the high calling of raising responsible children. Some may be disappointed at their comparison of parenting children to raising dogs. This book would have been an even better parenting resource had they included a faith/spiritual perspective on parenting, passing on to our children the love of God and the discipline/training (not merely human logic) of God's Word, the Bible. Take a look into a spirituality based parenting resource, "The Family Cloister: Benedictine Wisdom for the Home", by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad, 2000).
Rating: 
Summary: Possibly worthwhile, but not in audio format
Review: A friend on the same parenting wavelength as me recommended this book. Got ahold of a copy of the audio version. From what I heard of the book (the first quarter), the ideas and techniques sounded mostly reasonable and similar to some methods we use successfully with our two young daughters. The initial chapters seemed somewhat condescending. However, the narration was a total turnoff. The reader's voice was like a caricature of a smarmy, resonating-with-drama emcee's voice. Ugh ugh ugh. After one tape, I couldn't stand it anymore, and ripped the cassette from the tape deck. If it wasn't from the library, I'd unfurl it and let the cat use it as a toy. I will also admit to an irrational prejudice against parenting books where, based on names, all of the children seem to be out of Dick and Jane land. Suzy, Johnnie, Timmy--bleah. I'll stick with the Faber/Mazlich books, instead, which I turn to again and again for advice on raising children to be responsible for their actions.
Rating:
Summary: Don't be afraid to use it!
Review: I enjoyed the book greatly. It's philosophy has helped me raise 5 children. The hardest part is follow through. It's okay if your child has to go hungry, be cold, or do without a special trip, because he or she has made a wrong choice. These "safe" wrong choices, help them make better choices later on in life with those choices which will alter their lives. Don't let society impose their "Oh, this poor child" values on you. Know that letting them make some unfortunate choices now, will prepeare them later to make better choices. Don't give in to well meaning counselors, social workers and teachers who "feel badly" that your child isn't eating lunch today, or isn't getting to go on field trip. You are able to say, "gee.... he or she made that choice, now please support me in seeing that he or she has to live with the consequences of those choices". Use it! Do it! My 20 year old son told me recently, "Mom thank you for making me see that every action has a consequence. Now, I have good credit and don't mooch off my friends, like many kids my age, because you made me be responsible. I didn't like it then, BUT YOU WERE RIGHT". That made me feel really great that I did USE IT! I didn't "make him be responsible", I helped him make choices that taught responsibility.
Rating:
Summary: PARENTING WITH LOVE AND LOGIC
Review: This was the best parenting book I ever read. It puts you in control instead of your children. This book literally changed my life and how I was dealing with a stubborn child. My daughter was strong willed and this book taught me not to rant and rave because that put her in control and she knew it. EVERYONE should read this book. It teaches you a lot about how people (including children) would like to be treated and given choices. The person that didn't like this obviously didn't read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not My Favorite
Review: "Kids suffer too." is about the extent of insight into the effect of divorce on children. These authors use a gender-stereotyped, dogmatic,black and white theory of disciplining kids. They suggest demeaning broadside attacks rather than guidance or setting the child up for success. As an alternative, I would highly recommend "Boundaries"and "Boundaries with Kids"by Cloud and Townsend or "The Explosive Child " by Greene. I was very disappointed with "Love and Logic" and won't buy anymore in the series.Natural consequences are good,this book isn't.
Rating:
Summary: Very insightful and inspiring!
Review: The concept of natural consequences is inspiring - getting yourchildren to learn on their own. I used to lecture to my kids, waiting for the light to come on and it never did - they just let me rant and rave then went on with their day sometimes doing the same undesirable behavior moments later. When they experience and learn on their own, they tend to never forget the lesson. It works wonderful. Some of the things were a bit too passive - like letting kids determine their own bedtime - that doesn't work. But with concepts, the mornings are extremely less stressful since I made them responsible for dressing, picking out clothes, eating and making the bus. I let them make mistakes and suffer the consequences - being hungry until lunch, having other kids make fun of their mismatched clothes or wearing their PJs to school. I have informed the kids that if they do miss the bus, the consequence is walking or paying mom $10 for taxi service. They haven't missed yet! It truly takes guts, determination and lots of love, to allow your kids to learn for themselves - but nothing drives the lesson home better. It also takes guts to deal with some teachers and administrators - they don't like kids not getting enough sleep, missing breakfast and not getting their homework done. I just say, "I know it must be awful for them. What you going to do about it?"
Rating:
Summary: Love and Logic takes some of the stress out of parenting
Review: Overall I agree with 85% of what is presented in this book. While I do not agree with the ideas of "Basic German Shepard" or spanking, I strongly agree with the idea of allowing children to learn from natural consequences, once they are developmentally ready to understand the concept of consequences. Some experts say this is not until a child is two and a half years old. For children three years and older, the Love and Logic method seems to take the battles, power struggles, and frustration out of parenting, while providing tips and strategies to truly support and enjoy your children. It is my goal to parent with as little stress and as much enjoyment as possible and I think I have found the book that will help me do just that.
Rating:
Summary: This is a wonderful book!
Review: I had the pleasure of hearing Jim Fay speak at an inservice given by my school district. I was looking for some discipline help that I would be able to use with my 2nd grade students. I've found that the principles are easy to follow in the classroom, and also with my own children. I think it's very important to give children choices, and then to follow through with natural consequences if they make bad choices. The most important part of the Love and Logic philosophy is to use the principles in a loving and supportive way. I highly recommend this book to parents and teachers!
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