Positive Discipline (Revised)

Rating:
Summary: Not far enough
Review: A good read and certainly better than no information at all, however, the main point I have trouble with is not ever telling a child "no". There are times when distraction and replacement are not an option. If you and your child walk into a store and she asks for a $200 item you are only undermining yourself by "replacing" it with a $20 item. And "oh honey, look it's raining outside" is not going to work at age 10. As a teacher and parent I agree with the fact that actions will get more result than words, however, there are times when "no" is "no". The book implies that parents who say no to a child are bad or inferior. This simply isn't true. If you are looking for long range discipline right from birth I suggest you ALSO read the Babywise and Childwise books by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. Between the two books (not quite accurate as Ezzo and Bucknam have several) you will be able to find and successfully implement a parenting style that is effective and reasonable, for the stay at home parent or the single, working parent. Overall, a book worth reading but if you can only afford one book I suggest do a bit more looking before making a decision to purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Not far enough
Review: A good read and certainly better than no information at all, however, the main point I have trouble with is not ever telling a child "no". There are times when distraction and replacement are not an option. If you and your child walk into a store and she asks for a $200 item you are only undermining yourself by "replacing" it with a $20 item. And "oh honey, look it's raining outside" is not going to work at age 10. As a teacher and parent I agree with the fact that actions will get more result than words, however, there are times when "no" is "no". The book implies that parents who say no to a child are bad or inferior. This simply isn't true. If you are looking for long range discipline right from birth I suggest you ALSO read the Babywise and Childwise books by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. Between the two books (not quite accurate as Ezzo and Bucknam have several) you will be able to find and successfully implement a parenting style that is effective and reasonable, for the stay at home parent or the single, working parent. Overall, a book worth reading but if you can only afford one book I suggest do a bit more looking before making a decision to purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Practical and helpful.
Review: As a mother of four and an avid reader of parenting books - I'd say this is one you can feel good about reading and following the advice. It presents a solid foundation of knowledge upon which you can make good daily parenting decisions. Healthy, positive discipline that also builds your children's self esteem. I'd also recommend: Perfect Parenting - The Dictionary of 1000 Parenting Tips by Elizabeth Pantley for quick, realistic solutions to daily issues.

Rating:
Summary: Works Flawlessly When Used With Commitment and Consistency
Review: As a parenting author who only recommends the best of the best when it comes to parenting books, I was shocked to read some of the reviews which suggested that Jane's approach is both demoralizing to parents and simply does not work.

Before writing my own book, Jane's work was one of the three books I used with two blind boys who would have given Helen Keller a run for her money and helped me to not only maintain my sanity (and not go off the deep end) but also raise boys I am proud of.

Hands down parenting is the most difficult job on earth and I believe that Jane would agree. As a family counselor who uses a "feel good method of parenting" similar to Jane's I KNOW that this material works I have seen it work for thousands of parents. I also know that it takes time, consistency and sometimes even support from others. I am saddened to think that some of her material has fallen on deaf ears and some parents have even resorted to fear tactics. Why am I saddened? Because although punishments such as these can work in the short term I have seen first hand the negative effects that happen over time and know that there is a much better way.

Perhaps, because this book was originally written in the 80's and Jane doesn't spend a lot of time in this book emphasizing the importance a parent's own self-care that some readers have misinterpreted this to mean Jane doesn't care about parents. Nothing could be further from the truth though.

Jane's practical use of stories and the way in which she shares some of her own mistakes are nothing short of inspiring.



Rating:
Summary: Not reality
Review: Dr. Nelson, though I'm sure is very intelligent does not write a sound book for children of today, especially those children in disadvanteged households. She stresses real-life punishment, and that is fine IN THEORY but in the praticallity of real life it is not a useful book. Buy Canter's Assertive Discipline instead, a much better read.

Rating:
Summary: Positive Discipline....Montessori Education
Review: I found this book to be excellent in making you feel okay to give love instead of harsh punishment. Her concepts for teaching parents/teachers how to help children develop self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, social interest, etc. goes along perfectly with what Montessori has said for many years. I find it odd that she never mentions Montessori education as a perfect type of education to follow through with what you are trying to accomplish at home. I encourage all parents to read this as well as MONTESSORI TODAY to get the outside support to go along with your attempts at home to raise a caring, responsible,cooperative child with exceptional problem-solving skills, selfdiscipline and social conciousness.

Rating:
Summary: Innovative
Review: I have read this book at least five times. I teach Parenting the Positive Discipline Way classes to parents. When I was first implementing change, I liked to work on a few concepts and then go back and reread the book again to gain more information and start working on a new idea.
I read another review here on the site and I think I should clarify something. The book does NOT say to "never say 'no'" to a child.

Rating:
Summary: Innovative
Review: I have read this book at least five times. I teach Parenting the Positive Discipline Way classes to parents. When I was first implementing change, I liked to work on a few concepts and then go back and reread the book again to gain more information and start working on a new idea.
I read another review here on the site and I think I should clarify something. The book does NOT say to "never say 'no'" to a child.

Rating:
Summary: Best read BEFORE you have kids
Review: I loved this book---before I had kids!! I do believe it was helpful in some ways, because I agree with her philosophy. However, in practice, these methods are spotty at best. Also, it was only after having kids, that I realized how hostile this author is to parents. Every misbehavior of kids is blamed on the parents' lack of understanding. Any parent who is reading this book is obviously trying to be as good a parent as they can and to have this author continuously bash parents as being controlling, etc. is extremely demoralizing. Check this book out of the library, it has some good points--but DONT buy it.

Rating:
Summary: Best read BEFORE you have kids
Review: I loved this book---before I had kids!! I do believe it was helpful in some ways, because I agree with her philosophy. However, in practice, these methods are spotty at best. Also, it was only after having kids, that I realized how hostile this author is to parents. Every misbehavior of kids is blamed on the parents' lack of understanding. Any parent who is reading this book is obviously trying to be as good a parent as they can and to have this author continuously bash parents as being controlling, etc. is extremely demoralizing. Check this book out of the library, it has some good points--but DONT buy it.