Product Description

Child psychologist Steve Biddulph tells parents everything they need to know about raising happy, healthy, confident children from babyhood to teens. This book shows parents how to be true to themselves while also bringing up secure children who feel loved and respected, with self-esteem and responsibility. The book is aimed at a wide age group - from babies and toddlers to older children and teenagers. Authoritative yet accessible, it is full of case histories and familiar conversations and scenarios, as well as cartoons, that help parents relate to Steve's message. The book covers all the key issues in parenting, including: how and why negative language affects children; stopping tantrums before they start; curing shyness - "soft love"; why touch, praise and time are vital - and "firm love" - disciplining through teaching and being involved, rather than punishment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5975 in Books
• Published on: 2003-12-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Review
'a mix of Billy Connelly and Dr Spock...Steve Biddulph is a publishing phenomenon.' THE TIMES 'Steve's advice is easy to follow- and more importantly, it works.' BBC FAMILY LIFE MAGAZINE 'Biddulph...has a built-in feel good factor. Parenting books too often make one feel inadequate, but Biddulph's left me refreshed and optimistic.' THE EXPRESS

Synopsis
Child psychologist Steve Biddulph tells parents everything they need to know about raising happy, healthy, confident children from babyhood to teens. This book shows parents how to be true to themselves while also bringing up secure children who feel loved and respected, with self-esteem and responsibility. The book is aimed at a wide age group - from babies and toddlers to older children and teenagers. Authoritative yet accessible, it is full of case histories and familiar conversations and scenarios, as well as cartoons, that help parents relate to Steve's message. The book covers all the key issues in parenting, including: how and why negative language affects children; stopping tantrums before they start; curing shyness - "soft love"; why touch, praise and time are vital - and "firm love" - disciplining through teaching and being involved, rather than punishment.

About the Author
Steve Biddulph is an internationally respected child psychologist and family therapist with an ever-increasing following. A world-renowned parenting author, his books include Manhood (Hawthorn Press, 1998), Raising Boys (1998), The Secret of Happy Children (1997) and More Secrets of Happy Children (1999), which are popular all over the world.

Customer Reviews

Biased against working mother
There are many good points in this book but the author is going completely wrong in his negative view of working mothers. Study after study has now clearly shown that children are happiest when the mother is happiest - whether working or at home. The uncomfortable truth is: Staying at home with a young child can be torture. Incredibly boring, irritating and stressful. And to top it off - you will be despised for being 'just a housewife' by the rest of society. Has Biddulph himself ever tried it for any length of time? I very much doubt it because otherwise his views might be a bit more compassionate - and better researched.

Sound, solid advice...
With a young son, I'm often drawn to reading parenting books - especially when the going gets tough and I need confirmation of my actions or a fresh perspective.
Luckily, this book gave me both. Fortunately, I really liked SB's writing style right from the start, which made getting with his idea's much easier - his candid, no nonsense approach is fresh and accessible and he doesn't hide away under cliche's.
Real life examples are interspersed with cartoons and hand drawn diagrams which makes for really easy reading and what he says makes sense. My only criticism is that perhaps quite a bit of what he says is common sense (well to me anyway) but then, I suppose, sometimes we fail to see whats right under our noses until its pointed out to us.
Also, I found the chapter on working mums depressing; as a healthcare professional who works part time, I can only agree with what he says and have heard the Playground Mafia at my local Primary School referring to the kids who have been in Childcare as 'Stepford Kids' - unfortunately, I work 95% because I have to and only 5% because I want to and I found it made me feel guilt(ier) about a situation that I have little control over. I am very jealous of those mums lucky enough to care for their very young kids at home fulltime - though I realise there is no easy option, the choice would be nice!
Anyway, in a nutshell - If you hate Gina Ford's 'ideas' and love Tracey Hogg (the baby whisperer) and want to learn a little more about whats goes on inside the minds of your kids then this is the book for you!
Highly recommended.

Very helpful book.
Unfortunately we cannot all be as perfect as Mrs Selwood. This book is for those of us who, although cope nicely with our families, want to be the best parents we can be. I loved it.