jcgrow's Full Review: Discipline Without Shouting Or Spanking Books
A Must Read For Me
I learned just about two months ago that I'm going to become a father, and although I had hoped that I would be level-headed about it all, I have to admit that I've panicked more than a little bit. It didn't take me long to realize that I have absolutely no idea how to be a parent. Off I ran to the bookstore, looking for the consolation of expert opinion.
Standout in a Sea of Shelves
I was not reassured by the huge number of parenting books to choose from. Nonetheless, I knew I had to find something, so I began my search. I count myself as lucky for finding Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking. Call me a softy, but shouting and spanking are two of my biggest parenting fears. I'm worried that becoming a father will turn me into a beast who won't know what to do with a child and will resort to angry reactions. I spent a few months as an elementary school teacher once, so I know how easily this transformation can occur.
It's in the Details
The beauty of Wyckoff and Unell's book is that it doesn't waste undue time on theory. I know that I shouldn't hit or yell at my kids and I know why it's important not to. What I want to know is how I can avoid doing it, and Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking provides just this sort of information.
This book is divided in a refreshingly practical way: according to the types of behavior problems that parents encounter most. Chapter titles include Overeating, Interrupting, Talking Back, Destroying Property and Dawdling. There are no bland, nebulous lectures about "Your Child and You" in this book. The authors get right to brass tacks, providing sensible alternatives to violent discipline.
A Life-Preserver for A Parent's Sanity
If you want to learn more about why it's important to be an authoritative parent instead of an authoritarian parent, I suggest the book Beating the Devil Out of Them by Dr. Murray Straus. He summarizes the research on the association between abusive parenting and social problems later in life.
In the meantime, keep Discipline Without Shouting or Spanking handy. I plan to, for those times when I want to wring my little darling's neck but know that it would be the wrong thing to do. Proponents of corporal punishment and other punitive parenting techniques always ask, "Do you have any better ideas?" Well, I don't, but Wyckoff and Unell do. No more excuses, put down that belt and buy this book.
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