Parenting Book Recommendation of the Month!
For this month’s parenting book, we have chosen the popular classic, How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish.
Here’s what we like most about our February book recommendation...
1. It’s user friendly. The concepts in the book are broken down into simple words and very relatable scenarios. Depending on how deep you want to go, there are questionnaires, charts and step-by-step instructions on how to apply the advice.
2. We love the comic sketches. Must we say more? (see below!)
3. You don’t have to read the entire book! Want some advice on talking to your kids about house chores? We promise you can get some solid tips, simply from reading a couple of pages on your topic of interest.
4. It’s a great reference book. Keep it on your bookshelf or bedside table as a reference book as your family goes through different life stages. You’ll be happy to have it on hand when you need a refresher.
5. Validate your inner child. It might say something like, yes THAT’S what I wanted my parents to do more of when I was little!
Who should read this book?
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk is applicable for parents with children of all ages, especially those 4 and up, and through the teenage years. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and caregivers can also get some solid tips for effective ways to talk with and respond to children.
What benefits will you get from this book?
It’s like having a parenting coach right in your pocket! Glean the benefits of expert advice, while skipping the philosophical jargon. This book will actually tell you exactly what to say (and not to say), so you can begin working on those stubborn habits in your family dynamic.
As with most parenting books, you’ll also learn about good relationship practices that can be applied generally with adult humans in your life! As Sarah Chana Radcliffe pointed out in a recent Daily Parenting Post, “listening, naming and accepting feelings, praising, supporting, acknowledging, thanking, showing affection...Parenting tools are, for the most part, just good relationship tools.”
Take Home Message
Often times when it comes to effective parent-child relationships, less = more. Much of the work in building good communication practices with our children requires us parents “holding back” our impulse to swoop in and fix, lecture or blame. There are undoubtedly times to lay down the laws of the house and set clear boundaries, but there is also much need to focus on listening and validating, modeling the behavior we wish to see, finding ways to work together as a team, and respecting our children’s need to make mistakes and solve their own problems.
Say hi to our newest JFI Blogger/Expert Kyla Landon:
Kyla Landon is a parenting writer and educator based in Toronto. She writes a parenting blog at kylalandon.com and facilitates a mindful parenting book club. Kyla completed her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Studies and has worked supporting children and families in various community settings. When she’s not busy chasing after her two little cutie pies, you might find her walking through nature trails, practicing yoga and dance, and having a good laugh with her friends. Kyla can be reached at kyla@kylalandon.com.