Rating: 
Summary: Wrong title, right concepts!
Review: "Parenting the Strong-Willed Child" is a badly named book-unless you believe that all children are strong-willed. It is true that some children are much more strong willed than average, and it is to the parents of these children that the book, according to its title, is directed. However, the information in the book is suited for ANY parent. The target age of children referred to in the book is 2-6 years old. Nevertheless, most of the principles given are also applicable to older children, and many could even be adapted for using with teen-agers. Any parent (or grandparent, for that matter) would benefit from reading this book. Instead of presenting generalities (e.g., "parents should be consistent"), the authors give specific information as to when to be and how to become, using the above example, consistent. The principles given are proven (I had many people pay a lot more than the cost of the book to attend a series of parenting classes which gave basically the same information). The only time they will not work is when they are not used. They will not make overnight changes in any child (for best success use them with your children from the beginning), but enough improvements will be made to give a parent hope. And if you are raising an exceptionally strong-willed child, hope is a wonderful first step!
Rating:
Summary: Wrong title, right concepts!
Review: "Parenting the Strong-Willed Child" is a badly named book-unless you believe that all children are strong-willed. It is true that some children are much more strong willed than average, and it is to the parents of these children that the book, according to its title, is directed. However, the information in the book is suited for ANY parent. The target age of children referred to in the book is 2-6 years old. Nevertheless, most of the principles given are also applicable to older children, and many could even be adapted for using with teen-agers. Any parent (or grandparent, for that matter) would benefit from reading this book. Instead of presenting generalities (e.g., "parents should be consistent"), the authors give specific information as to when to be and how to become, using the above example, consistent. The principles given are proven (I had many people pay a lot more than the cost of the book to attend a series of parenting classes which gave basically the same information). The only time they will not work is when they are not used. They will not make overnight changes in any child (for best success use them with your children from the beginning), but enough improvements will be made to give a parent hope. And if you are raising an exceptionally strong-willed child, hope is a wonderful first step!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent step-wise approach
Review: As a pediatrician, I'm asked discipline questions every day. This is a fine book which takes a step-wise approach to improving your relationship with your child - especially a child who is difficult to discipline. Our 5 year old is strong-willed and tempermental and we were able to use this approach very succesfully - without spanking! Parents are given assignments to complete & are to focus on only one thing a week - & practice it every day. I appreciate the fact that after the end of the 1st week parents usually end up appreciating their own child much more - noticing good behavior more and focusing in on that rather than dwelling on the irritating behaviors. This book is very good for parents who are very motivated to change, not for ones looking for a quick fix - I promise, there is none. I would also recommend 123 Magic and Dr. Sears' book "The Discipline Book" - they are highly recommended in my practice every day.
Rating: 
Summary: Follow Your Heart
Review: As the parent of an adventurous and challenging two year old, I was intrigued by the title of this book and decided to investigate a bit further. Promoted as "the clinically proven five-week program for parents of two to six year olds", this guide for behavior modification may be helpful for some parents but is not the best choice for those of us who choose Attachment Parenting as a way to stay connected with our children.Week 2 focuses on external rewards including using language which induces a desire for your child to please others instead of developing true self-confidence. Some examples are suggested phrases such as, "I really like it when you obey me!" and "I like it when you come to dinner when I call." Why not allow the child to develop a healthier and more positive desire to act appropriately by promoting self-esteem - "You picked up your blocks and put them away all by yourself!" or "You came to the table for dinner all on your own when you heard me call you!"? I was also disturbed by Week 3: Ignoring. :( There is even advice to ignore your child if she screams or cries for attention. This is not responsible nor loving parenting and does not communicate or model appropriate behavior for any age. Week 5 is all about time-outs and personally I don't agree with their advice to put your two year old in the corner for any reason. There are much more loving and effective ways to model and teach without humiliating your child. Other chapters offer helpful and caring advice, but because of the above-mentioned negative suggestions, I would not recommend this book to "attached" parents who choose more child-honoring methods. Parenting The Strong-Willed Child is helpful for frustrated mainstream parents and caretakers who spank and need specific directions to improve parenting skills and stop hitting their children. However, if you are the type of parent or caretaker who follows your heart and works hard to instill healthy self-esteem and nurturing relationships, do yourself a favor and consider checking out "Easyt to Love, Difficult to Discipline" by Becky Bailey, PhD, "Raising Your Spirited Child" by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka or "The Discipline Book" by William Sears, MD.
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Summary: Perfect for parents of strong willed boys
Review: Finally a book that relates to my 3 year old. This book has helped to turn my frustrated child into a pleasant little boy.
Rating:
Summary: Real Parenting
Review: For the first time since I became a mother, three years ago, I don't feel as if I am an obstacle that my child needs to overcome. I have read other material on the subject, and could not bring myself to believe that my child deserved to be spanked. I especially did not appreciate the implication that that was the only solution! I highly recommend this book for those of us who have seen and survived family violence and have the need to reach out and discover what was not taught to us by our parents. I for one have gotten enough spankings for myself, my son and any other future children I may ever have. Shame on you Mr Dobson!!
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Summary: Finally...A book that really works!
Review: Having read many books on this subject, I feel I'm an expert on what "doesn't" work. This book has helped us tremendously by pointing out how my responses dictate the behavior my child exhibits. The book is easy to read and straight to the point. Even if your child isn't strong-willed, it is a great parenting book for every parent-child relationship. It is a must read. We had results right away!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful resource for parents
Review: I am a child clinical psychologist and I specialize in the prevention and treatment of behavior problems in young children. Despite what the title, implies, this book is useful for a wide variety of children. Afterall, what preschool-aged child is without more than a few strong-willed moments? I particularly like this book as a companion to Gottman's "Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child." The strengths of these books, both written by leaders in parenting and child research, really complement one another.
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Summary: Endorsement from a Child Clinical Psychologist
Review: I am a child clinical psychologist who specializes in helping families parent children with behavior problems. This is a really excellent book, written by internationally known experts in the field. The program is based on over 30 years of careful, thorough research. Please do not confuse this book with Dobson's, The Strong-willed Child, which advocates harsh, ineffective discipline.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful resource for parents
Review: I bought this book 2 years ago when my child was 2 and saw immediate positive change in my child after only the first two weeks, unfortunately this prompted me to abandon the rest of the book. Two years later, I have found myself stressed and screaming and ready to pull my hair out again! I stumbled across this book again, as if by fate( I had been looking for somthing else). I decided to read this book and follow to the end. I am telling you if you're child is truly strong willed this book will work, but you have to be willing to put in the time and effort. My child was a negative attention hog. He is learning that positive attention is good, and he gets no attention for negative(nondestructive) behavior. I followed a lot of advice from family in the beginning but I had felt it made things worse. I always believed that if I ignored some of his bad behavior it would go away, but family made me feel otherwise. Have faith in yourself and your intuitions about your child. This book has helped quite a bit, now the true test is to continue on indefinitely.
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