Gentle Discipline

Rating:
Summary: Great way to work towards non-violence
Review: I used to work in the domestic violence field, and this book is a great asset for parents needing non-violent alternatives to the sometimes violent parenting we learned from our own parents, and are the violence we subject to in a violent society. It does work! I have used Lighter's techniques and guidelines on the children who lived in our shelter who witnessed or were survivors of parental abuse, and the children flourish under Lighter's advice. Children from more peaceful homes benefit from Lighter's examples, too!

Rating:
Summary: Misleading title
Review: Lighter should be training pigeons, not children. Her slight book offers unrealistic, simplistic examples of interactions with children, has a self-important author's voice, and little compassion. She suggests making an adolescent coming home late spend the night in the garage, for example. If I were that adolescent I would have a key to let myself in the house, but subjected to this kind of life, I might choose to move elsewhere. Basically the author is devoted to the concept of positive reinforcement with total parental control. More caring, respectful paths are described in other books. The trees to make this book were wasted. . .

Rating:
Summary: Effective parenting techinques
Review: Ms. Lighter has written an easy to read, common sense approach to child discipline. She stresses natural consequences and positive reinforcement. She gives many techniques that help parents teach their children appropriate behavior. As an elementary school teacher, I have recommended this book to parents who have found it to be extremely helpful in disciplining their young children. In my experience, Ms. Lighter's book has brought some harmony to homes that use her Ways. Ms. Lighter's book is written in a very easy to read format and is inexpensive.

Rating:
Summary: Effective parenting techinques
Review: Ms. Lighter has written an easy to read, common sense approach to child discipline. She stresses natural consequences and positive reinforcement. She gives many techniques that help parents teach their children appropriate behavior. As an elementary school teacher, I have recommended this book to parents who have found it to be extremely helpful in disciplining their young children. In my experience, Ms. Lighter's book has brought some harmony to homes that use her Ways. Ms. Lighter's book is written in a very easy to read format and is inexpensive.