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Summary: A book every American parent ought to read
Review: What a novel concept! Michael and Diane Medved have decided that parenting is not only important, but actually worth the time and effort required to rear happy, well-mannered progeny. While this book is rife with suggestions about issues such as schooling, vacationing, and the evening meal, perhaps no social convention is confronted so adamantly as the television. Supplying solid statistics and reasonable examples, the authors make a convincing argument in the idea of eliminating one's TV altogether.But this book is not an attack on America's social system. It's a call to regain control of one's family by exercising wisdom, temperance, discipline, common sense, and optimism in an age when examples of such qualities seem to be difficult to find.
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Summary: I found this book to be a "must read" for every parent.
Review: Whatever happened to the innocence of childhood? The Medveds do a great job showing how that innocence is being stripped by the media, by the schools, and often by parents themselves in an attempt to "prepare" children for the real world. Instead, we are rearing frightened, cynical children, who are actually less able to handle the pressures of growing up, and who are less likely to become psychologically healthy adults. I highly recommend this book, and plan on buying an additional copy for a pregnant friend.
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Summary: Real concerns, naive response
Review: While any rational parent would agree that today's children are confronted with an astonishing array of influences that wittle away their innocence, the appropriate response to this cultural phenomenon is far more complex than the Medveds analysis. There is a lack of distinction in the book between what is merely age-inappropriate, versus what is just plain over-the-top "bad". Discussion of menstruation in a Junior Girl Scout Handbook? Hardly the end of civilization as we know it. Environmental curriculum creating unnecessary "fear" and "anxiety" about the well-being of our planet? No; becoming a good steward of our earth begins young. The Medveds miss the point in their many anecdotes: it is the responsibilty of the parents to screen the media their children are exposed to; to discuss curricula with their schools, and make informed decisions about whether or not what is being taught is at odds with their beliefs - and use these opportunities to reinforce with your children WHY, as parents, you believe what you do. This book is infuriating because the authors respond in a sensational and hysterical way to the most innocuous things, and fail to logically address their basis thesis!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: While there is no way to 100% protect the children, this book points out areas to think about, to monitor, to avoid, so that parents can make the best choices possible for their children.
Rating:
Summary: Essential reading for parents!!
Review: Written with the meticulous research and keen insight for which Michael and Diane Medved are rightfully noted, this is an excellent book. Citing the many negative influences of our modern culture, the Medveds stress the importance of saving childhood innocence, something which we of the older generation possessed, but sadly, children of the present generation often do not. Loving and caring parents themselves, Michael and Diane give parents hope and practical information to enable the rearing of happy, independent, and emotionally healthy children.
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