How to Talk So Kids WIll Listen ...

Title: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk
Authors: Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
Publication Year: 2012
Website: www.fabermazlish.com
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Review: I thought this was an exceptional book. It’s easy to read, straight-forward, and full of good advice and lots of examples. A lot of the techniques discussed here are duplicated in Siblings Without Rivalry, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that a parent should read one or the other. There’s enough useful and distinct information in each book that I would say both should be read maybe a few months apart (provided the parent has or is planning to have more than one kid). There are comic strips that show the techniques in action and helpful “quick reminder” pages that summarize the advice. I thought the information in this book was so useful that I typed out the advice and laminated it as a reminder to my husband and I. Among my favorite suggestions that I’ve found helpful in my home within the past couple days since reading this book are 1) Describe what you see, 2) Give wish in fantasy, 3) Give the feeling a name, 4) Let children hear you say something positive about them, 5) Say it with a word, and 6) Don’t rush to answer questions. Describing what you see in particular has been a miracle worker so far. From pointing out that my sons shoes are in the middle of the floor to saying that his little sister seems to need help opening a drawer, my son has been astonishingly eager to hop to action when I refrain from telling him to do something and just say what I see. (Personal Rating: 9/10)