Ain't Misbehavin': Tactics for Tantrums, Meltdowns, Bedtime Blues and Other Perfectly Normal Kid Behaviors
"Alyson Schafer's book will be a boon for parents and anyone else who wants to raise humane, well-behaved children. With wit, heart and research Alyson provides a treasure chest of parent-friendly solutions to common, everyday parenting dilemmas.  I hope this book finds its way into homes all over the country." – Michele Borba, Ed.D., author ofThe Big Book of Parenting Solutions“Who doesn’t love learning and laughing at the same time? Alyson Schafer has a way of peeking into our front hallways where we’re dealing with the tantrummy toddler, the independent tween and the insolent teen, and being the voice in our head that provides us with sage, educated advice in easy terms we can all understand. Warm up your neck muscles before reading, because her approach to parenting, with a capital “P”, delivered in a conversational, humourous and smart manner will have you nodding your head every few minutes. Ain’t Misbehavin’ is the perfect addition to the Good Mom Myth and Honey, I Wrecked The Kids library I recommend all parents have in their homes.– Kathy Buckworth, author ofShut Up & EatandThe Secret Life of SuperMomand parenting feature writer for Sympatico.ca"Clear some prime real estate in your home for Alyson Schafer's latest round of insight and wisdom: Ain't Misbehavin' is an invaluable resource for every parent, every day. Written in Alyson's charming conversational style, it is arranged in a super-easy-to-use-in-the-midst-of-a-parenting-crisis way. Though I sort of hate to admit it, this is a book I know I will use again and again and again!"– Gill Deacon, bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster"Perfect, bite-sized parenting advice that is sensible, humane and eminently workable."– Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing“Who wouldn’t want Alyson Schafer’s help with parenting? Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want Alyson to parent THEM.  Immediately after reading Ain’t Misbehavin’, I was inspired to start implementing Alyson Schafer's suggestions, which are based deeply in respect for the individual and the family as a whole. We noticed changes right away – a reduction in conflict and an increase in understanding. Alyson Schafer has written a passionate and philosophically energizing guidebook for parents that we can use daily. Her book identifies and analyses dozens of real-life parenting nightmares, offers solutions and examples, and she does that one thing many parenting books avoid: she suggests alternate solutions in the event that her first suggestion just doesn’t work for your child. Every parent can relate to this book, and every parent and child can benefit.”– Diane Flacks, writer, actor, CBC radio parenting columnist and author ofBear With Me: What They Don't Tell You About Parenting and New Motherhood“Alyson manages to reassure parents that their kid’s behavior is normal while reminding them not to put up with it at the same time. What makes her book even more appealing is the simplicity with which she offers her parenting solutions. Readers feel empowered to make the changes she recommends without turning their worlds upside down. We give it a SavvyMom thumbs up, for sure.”– Minnow Hamilton, Managing Editor and Co-Founder of Savvymom.ca“Smart, funny, practical.  Alyson explains why kids behave the way they do, then offers easy, practical advice on how to deal with the challenges. I guarantee this book will make your family life better. Alyson really gets it...parenting can be challenging!  With humour and warmth, Alyson helps make it easier. This is not your typical earnest, preachy parenting book -- it’s honest and funny with straight-up advice on how to deal with common ‘misbehaviours’. Alyson targets common ‘misbehaviours’ and gives step by step advice on how to deal with them.  She helps you understand why kids do what they do, and that makes it so much easier to deal with the challenges. This book is really about understanding your kids and making your family life better.  Alyson gives you practical tips on how to do both.”– Cheryl Jackson, Host and Producer of TVO’s Your Voice“We all know that kids tell it like it is. There’s no beating around the bush or sugar-coating things when little people speak their mind. The same can be said for Alyson Schafer. She tackles every possible parenting concern in an educated, straightforward, no-nonsense manner—all the while maintaining an irresistible sense of humour and warmth. Her new book is an invaluable resource for parents of kids of all ages, not just because of its practical suggestions to overcome everything from whining to cheating but also because Schafer’s tips are grounded in solid research. Best of all, she’s never condescending. Rather, her advice is smart, empathetic stuff, laid out in an easy-to-read format, all underscored by Schafer’s firm belief in having fun. Her book helps men and women be the best parents they can be, all the while keeping their cool and enjoying the ride.”– Gail Johnson, Managing Editor of blushmom.com and mother of two"Alyson Schafer combines practical advice with an intelligent, philosophical grounding and a friendly, been-there voice. Whether you're worried about kids' sleeping, schooling or swearing, you'll find this book both realistic and reassuring."– Jacqueline Kovacks, Deputy Editor,Today’s Parentmagazine “Written with humour and compassion from the perspective of someone who understands what sets kids (and parents!) off, this handy guide will give you all the tools you need to manage any misbehaviour and respectfully keep the peace.”– Sydney Loney, parenting journalist and Co-Founder of justthefactsbaby.com and justthefactskid.com. “Alyson Schafer's advice is grounded in love and respect for the child and compassion for today's stressed parent. Her techniques flow from the recognition that, above all, parenting is not a matter of methods but of understanding and honouring our relationships with our children.”– Gabor Maté, M.D., co-author ofHold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need To Matter More Than Peers"A spectacular resource. So easy to find the issue you're trying to deal with and get simple, direct and positive advice. Alyson's democratic approach feels natural and means that families are working together on these issues instead of parent versus child."– Pedro Mendes, Host of CBC Radio 3’s Manthropology“Humorous, humane, and truly helpful, any parent could benefit from the practical wisdom in this splendid book.”– Carl Pickhardt, Ph.D., author ofWhy Good Kids Act Cruel“Alyson Schafer has a wonderful way of making Adlerian Psychology easy to understand and practical to use.  This book should make a great addition to any parenting library.”– Dr. Michael Popkin, author ofActive ParentingandTaming the Spirited Child"What I love about Alyson's book is that it tells you what you need to know without making you feel as if you are not parenting correctly. It is a wonderful combination of inspiration and pragmatic ways to solve big and small challenges that we all face with our children. It may be overused, but I think of Alyson as my parent whisperer."– Ellie Rubin, international speaker, media personality and bestselling author ofAmbition: 7 Rules for Getting ThereandBulldog: Spirit of the New Entrepreneur"Alyson Schafer gives parents some great advice on how to respectfully, and democratically, help kids through their most troubling behaviours. Here's a great resource before any family seeks counselling. There's lots of pearls of wisdom like Take Time for Training and ways to encourage independence. Well indexed, this book is a great one to have on every parent's bookshelf. I'll be passing copies to my clients for sure!"– Michael Ungar, Ph.D., author ofToo Safe for their Own Good: How Risk and Responsibility Help Teens ThriveandWe Generation: Raising Socially Responsible Kids“Finally, a parenting book that answers the "what do I do now?" question that haunts every parent daily. Alyson Schafer empowers parents to feel like they can make a difference, and her clear advice and sense of humour make Ain't Misbehavin' the kind of easy-to-use parenting bible you want in your back pocket at all times. ”– Emma Waverman, blogger for MSN’s embracethechaos.ca and co-author ofWhining and Dining: Mealtime Survival for Picky Eaters and Families Who Love Them