Rating: 
Summary: This book makes a difference on how parents should focus.
Review: I was going through a divorce and needed to find ways to help my two girls and find ways to deal with their behavior , some which was associated with the divorce. My oldest daughter, nine years old could tell I was doing something different. She even commented to me on this. She actually was glad to see the efforts I was putting forth on improving my parenting skills. The ideas were logical and then offered reasoning as to the benefits which could be observed. I definitely saw the benefits when applying the ideas. The book was easy to follow in steps and as a parent really made me think. Rather than focus on what I thought my wife should be doing regarding the girls, I focused on me and how to improve as a parent and father. Now I plan to get this book for my wife so she can pick up on the ideas. We have finally gone past the nasty stage and now are trying to communicate amicably for the sake of the girls. This book makes you think about yourself and look for behavior changes in the right areas. It helps the parent to be responsible for his/her own actions or reactions in order to better communicate with their children. Let me stress the communication means both; listening - talking and acting - reacting. Another major key was how I truly saw myself getting better as a parent. The book helped me to focus on common skills, we all have, thereby improving my relationship with our girls. As a father I truly felt I was able to help my daughters with their personal life challenges. Even if I only recognized their feelings. In essence, their challenges were my opportunities. Doesn't every parent want a chance to be a better parent?
Rating:
Summary: Earlier edition good, but the 97 edition is better
Review: I've read both the 89 and the 97 editions of The Parent's Handbook. I found the 97 edition much easier to read and much better organized. I've recommended this book to several of my friends at church. Those who've read it report it was really helpful.
Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE BOOK FOR ALL PARENTS
Review: JUST FINISHED BOOK THROUGH A "STEP" COURSE. ALL 18 MEMBERS AGREE, THE BOOK IS GREAT! (WE PARTICIPATED IN A CLASS FOR 7 WEEKS (COVERED A CHAPTER A WEEK) AND IT WAS GREAT. THE SKILLS TAUGHT REALLY WORK! HANG IN THERE...IT TAKES PRACTICE BUT IT IS WORTH IT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..WHAT A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY NEW PARENT (THE EARLIER YOU START, THE SMOOTHER YOUR FAMILY WITH RUN)...
Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE BOOK FOR ALL PARENTS
Review: JUST FINISHED BOOK THROUGH A "STEP" COURSE. ALL 18 MEMBERS AGREE, THE BOOK IS GREAT! (WE PARTICIPATED IN A CLASS FOR 7 WEEKS (COVERED A CHAPTER A WEEK) AND IT WAS GREAT. THE SKILLS TAUGHT REALLY WORK! HANG IN THERE...IT TAKES PRACTICE BUT IT IS WORTH IT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..WHAT A GREAT GIFT FOR ANY NEW PARENT (THE EARLIER YOU START, THE SMOOTHER YOUR FAMILY WITH RUN)...
Rating:
Summary: A 25-year-old success story !
Review: The concepts in this book work --- our now 25-year-old daughter is proof of it. We used the 1976 edition of this book, and we are now ordering a more current version for her to use with her 3-year-old son. Our advice to parents with strong-willed children: HANG IN THERE! You will find that some techniques work better than others --- each child is a unique individual. The process is often a rocky road, but the rewards are wonderful. These children grow up to be exciting, self-motivated adults!
Rating:
Summary: MUST HAVE BOOK FOR ALL PARENTS
Review: The content of this book is EXCELLENT. The reason I gave this book only three stars is because the earlier version of this book, written only by Dinkmeyer Sr. and McKay in the 1970's -- the later version includes Dinkmeyer, Jr. -- is much more user friendly. This book is not easy to follow despite it's description as such. In fact, it can be very overwhelming for a parent truly intent on helping themselves and their children. In short, this book seems to throw a lot at you at once in a disorganized fashion. And, it reads like a text book. If you're still reading this review, I want to reiterate that this book and the STEP process are EXCELLENT and it works! I just strongly recommend that you buy the earlier version instead. Although it's a few bucks more and it may take several weeks to obtain (it's out of print), it's written in an easier to follow format and is more enjoyable to read. One last comment: If you're asking why I bought both books, it's because I borrowed the earlier version from a friend and then bought the updated version thinking it was better. I'm sorry I did and I immediately ordered the old one.
Rating: 
Summary: BUY THE EARLIER VERSION OF THIS BOOK INSTEAD
Review: The content of this book is EXCELLENT. The reason I gave this book only three stars is because the earlier version of this book, written only by Dinkmeyer Sr. and McKay in the 1970's -- the later version includes Dinkmeyer, Jr. -- is much more user friendly. This book is not easy to follow despite it's description as such. In fact, it can be very overwhelming for a parent truly intent on helping themselves and their children. In short, this book seems to throw a lot at you at once in a disorganized fashion. And, it reads like a text book. If you're still reading this review, I want to reiterate that this book and the STEP process are EXCELLENT and it works! I just strongly recommend that you buy the earlier version instead. Although it's a few bucks more and it may take several weeks to obtain (it's out of print), it's written in an easier to follow format and is more enjoyable to read. One last comment: If you're asking why I bought both books, it's because I borrowed the earlier version from a friend and then bought the updated version thinking it was better. I'm sorry I did and I immediately ordered the old one.
Rating: 
Summary: Revised edition, more straitght forward, easier to read.
Review: The Parent's Handbook, revised in 1997, is now seven chapters loaded with practical parenting information and advice. You'll find typical parenting examples, charts and points to remember pages -- summaries of chapter content. A special activity "Just for You" helps you with your own issues such as stress. Special activies help you encourage your child and yourself. The clear, down-to-earth writing style makes the book eagaging and easy to read. Cartoons illustrate and add humor to important points. The Parent's Handbook is part of the STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) program which has been used by over four million parents. STEP is the world's leading parent education program.
Rating: 
Summary: STEP right up
Review: This is the book used with STEP training, the 7-week parenting course. Where I live, this class is offered through the YWCA, and our school gives a modified version of STEP to all incoming parents. Every day at our school we use the conflict-resolution model described in this book. I can think of two reasons it's so effective. First, it's very respectful of children, encouraging them to speak up and have their concerns heard. Second, the process takes so long that they soon learn to streamline it to resolve their issues without adult help. They usually come up with ways to solve problems that are okay with everyone. We use the principles in this book at home, too.
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Went through a class using this book and it was extremely helpful as a teacher. I hope to be using the methods as a parent soon too! Highly reccomended!
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