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Summary: Are violent patterns of thought and behaviour universal ?
Review: ... Stanton Samenow in "Before it's too late" : violent patterns of thinking and behaviour start at a young age and are very difficult to modify ... This leads to one question : are the patterns outlined ... universal and can they be found in any kind of criminality, including political one (e.g. terrorism, gnenocide...) ? If this is the case, once these patterns have been clearly defined and catergorized (which is not the case yet), we can hope to identify them and act preventively, especially with the most extreme cases, whether people are acting alone or as part of a political movement.
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Summary: MR. SAMENOW HELPED ME TO RECOGNIZE ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Review: And how to deal with it without being manipulated or bullied. Especially helpful to me were the descriptions of common symptoms of antisocial people (each symptom gets a whole chapter of treatment):
1) Life is a One-Way Street---My Way
2) Disregard of Injury to Others
3) Unrealistic Expectations and Pretentions
4) Taking the Easy Way
5) Lying as a Way of Life
6) "It's Not My Fault"--Refusing to be Held Accountable
7) An Island Unto Himself Of course, if you know anybody who exhibits some of these traits, you better get a copy of this book. The last part of the book shows how to successfully deal with these difficult people. --George Stancliffe
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Summary: Excellent overview of destructive behavior in children
Review: As a paremt of three sons and a member of TOUGHLOVE this book was a welcome addition to our weekly parent support meetings. All the parents in attendance agreed that Dr. Samenow has given an insight into antisocial children that has been long overlooked.
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Summary: Not an excellent book, keep looking.
Review: Criminals begin as kids. Unfortunately many believe that this statement is not true. After working with prison inmates and kids in community MHMR settings, I see the roots of criminal thinking in many so-called "disturbed" kids. Any one who works with kids needs to read this book. I would recommend reading The Criminal Mind as well. Do not dismiss this book with out carefully considering it carefully. Dr. Samenow applies his years of research and experience with the criminal and applies it to childern. Some may argue that kids are different from adult criminals, but in many ways they are not. There are obivious differences, but there is a suprising similarity in their thought process. I have extensive experience with criminals, inmates, and "disturbed" kids. Intervention as early as possible is required.
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Summary: Required reading for those who work with adolecents
Review: Criminals begin as kids. Unfortunately many believe that this statement is not true. After working with prison inmates and kids in community MHMR settings, I see the roots of criminal thinking in many so-called "disturbed" kids. Any one who works with kids needs to read this book. I would recommend reading The Criminal Mind as well. Do not dismiss this book with out carefully considering it carefully. Dr. Samenow applies his years of research and experience with the criminal and applies it to childern. Some may argue that kids are different from adult criminals, but in many ways they are not. There are obivious differences, but there is a suprising similarity in their thought process. I have extensive experience with criminals, inmates, and "disturbed" kids. Intervention as early as possible is required.
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Summary: Before It's Too Late: Excellent resource for parents/helpers
Review: Dr. Samenow has a "spirit of the law" approach as he sketches in traits of anit-social people. He clarifies and substantiates the idea that people, including young children are responsible for their choices regardless of life circumstances. The book validates parents, frees them from the numbness of guilt, gives them confidence and encourages them with ideas of how to to respond to their antisocial children. As an elementary school counselor I feel this book should be read or the message in it should be conveyed to teachers of these children, as well as their parents. This book does not "spoon feed" the reader. If one wants specific ideas, s/he should refer to current parenting books that address this important issue. Now more than ever, we need to guide children into patterns of respect and responsibility, thus preventing antisocial personality development.
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Summary: Before It's Too Late: Excellent resource for parents/helpers
Review: Dr. Samenow has a "spirit of the law" approach as he sketches in traits of anit-social people. He clarifies and substantiates the idea that people, including young children are responsible for their choices regardless of life circumstances. The book validates parents, frees them from the numbness of guilt, gives them confidence and encourages them with ideas of how to to respond to their antisocial children. As an elementary school counselor I feel this book should be read or the message in it should be conveyed to teachers of these children, as well as their parents. This book does not "spoon feed" the reader. If one wants specific ideas, s/he should refer to current parenting books that address this important issue. Now more than ever, we need to guide children into patterns of respect and responsibility, thus preventing antisocial personality development.
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Summary: Before It's Too Late: was disappointment.
Review: Dr. Samenow has taken information germane to 2-3% of the population(anti-social personality disordered) and generalized it to everyone. It is disappointing Dr. Samenow has opted to project the blame for the amoral behavior of children upon the children themselves, regardless of the child's age or the quality of parenting. Dr Samenow indicates these children,regardless of age, know right from wrong but choose to act with disregard for anyone other than themselves and their immediate desire. It is difficult to ascertain from Dr. Samenow's book how children learn morals and character.( As one who has worked in child protective services for many, many years I am still amazed at the number of parents who find rearing children that have respect for themselves and others too time and energy consuming for them so they bail-out, leaving the children to their own devices.)Presumably, according to him, children are born with or without these attributes. Dr. Samenow does a nice job encouraging parents to be consistent, have structure and boundaries as well as high expectations of right behavior from their children.
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Summary: Troubled parents with troubled teens
Review: Having read and re-read this outstanding book, I highly recommend to parents. There are many useful interactions and behavioral steps you can employ to change the conditions around your home. As a high school teacher, it has enabled me tounderstand many students and attempt to be proactive in discipline. Great job from Samenow!
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Summary: Recommended reading for ALL parents, ESPECIALLY therapists.
Review: I feel SO enlightened after reading this book. It is a must for all parents. An absolute must for therapists/psychologists. I can see at least 3 people in my family that is the person this book is written about. It is helping me cope with a very difficult, controlling person I work with. Now I know exactly where I stand with these people. No more will I bend too far trying to please them, and I will be on the lookout for the time when they attempt to control me. Now I feel so much more in control of my own life. These people written about are generally so well liked by most, but now, I know better. I purchased a copy for my grown daughters who are now raising their children, a couple have reached the age of adulthood, but hopefully, it's not too late.
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