Have a New Kid by Friday

Every parent MUST read this book! I thought I probably didn't need it because my kids are very well-behaved. I got to page 1 "Are You a Candidate to Read This Book?" when I got my answer... Every parent is a candidate.

The heart of parenting is actually very simple. Yet we have made it complex to the point of impossibility. Dr. Leman spells it out day by day in only 74 pages how to have a new kid by Friday.

Monday: Why do your kids do what they do... and continue to do it? Your response has a lot to do with. Children are masters at manipulation. From day one, they're only job is to learn how to play us parents to get exactly what they want. And they are very good at it! So, say it once, turn your back, and walk away.

Tuesday: Focus on Attitude, Behavior, and Character. Let reality be the teacher (Sometimes natural consequence work the best). Learn to respond rather than react. (Stop and think first. ) B doesn't happen until A is completed. (After asking a child to do something ONCE, nothing else is said, but nothing else good happens until the first thing is done.)

Wednesday: Discover your parenting style and determine your long-term goals for your child. Then parent in such a way that will get you to those goals. Evaluate your own Attitude, Behavior, and Character.

Thursday: Learn how to build self-worth into your child. Respect them by never doing for them what they can and should do for themselves. Don't repeat instructions. Expect the best of them. don't praise them. Encourage them. Build their self-worth on Acceptance, Belonging, and Competence.

Friday: This is fun day. The day you get to put it all into practice.

Here is the summary:

The Top Ten Countdown to Having a New Kid by Friday

10. Be 100 percent consistent in your behaviour

9. Always follow through on what you say you will do.

8. Respond, don't react.

7. Count to 10 and ask yourself, "What would my old self do in this situation? What should the new me do?"

6. Never threaten your kids.

5. Never get angry.

4. Don't give any warnings (If you warn your child, you're saying, "You're so stupid, I have to tell you twice.")

3. Ask yourself, "Whose problem is this?"

2. Don't think the misbehavior will go away.

1. Keep a happy face on , even when you want to... do something else.

I believe the principles in this book are invaluable. If you find yourself struggling with your child AT ALL, get this book. It could quite possibly change your life. If you are like me with very well-behaved kids, it will reinforce what you are doing right and where on the path you have strayed.

I can't emphasize this enough: PARENTS - READ THIS BOOK! It's at your local library. Get it! Get two copies!