Change Your Child's Behavior by Changing Yours: 13 New Tricks to Get Kids to Cooperate
If adults pout, throw an occasional tantrum, and won't cooperate, why should we expect more becoming behavior from our children, who are naturally egocentric and lack "impulse control" ? This book offers solutions based upon two premises: you must change your behavior before your child can change his; you must accept that most socially inappropriate behavior in children is developmentally appropriate. The authors explore 13 common problem situations with youngsters from birth to age six and provide the words and tools to deal with them. Each chapter re-creates and proffers solace for such practical scenarios as sibling rivalry, following instructions, whining, bedtime, going places, and the dreaded dinner table. The authors' no-nonsense approach machine-guns through each behavior by summarizing the situation, discussing what is happening developmentally, giving a typical parental reaction, relating the action to adult conduct, and concluding with books useful for bibliotherapy. If all goes as planned, children will become respectful, responsible individuals who know that your love for them does not change even if they make mistakes. This practical, affectionate technique sure beats a trip to the woodshed.Patricia Hassler