This is my absolute favorite parenting book, which more than any other book has influence my view of parenting. Bailey's approach involves attributing positive intent, even to actions and behavior that is bothersome, so that one is acting out an understanding of what is going on for the child. Actually, I think her ideas have relevance for all types of relationships! It's been more than a year since I first read this book, and I've been wanting to re-read it for months.

This is hands down one of my favorite parenting books. It is unbelievably practical and the strategies offered are extremely effective. They can be aged up or down - my son has responded to some of the strategies since he was just over a year old, actually, but it is definitely more geared toward the preschool + age group.

This book outlines the philosophy of discipline the girls' school uses and I was in a parent book club reading it this year.
There are books that I postpone rating because there is just too much to say about them, this one.
It is really good and very practical. I am trying to implement some things like what you give attention to you get more of, notice in your praise (not just good job) and there is a ton more that I should review, remember and try.
If there is another book club next year, I hope to join in!

Wow. This chick is okay! Her suggestions have helped me already and I've just finished the book. If you are feeling stressed in your life, or like everyone is against you, this book can help if you let it. Bailey's points about how to look at raising children as a modeling stance totally make sense immediately and make you want to be able to follow her techniques. The nice thing about this author, is that she also admits that this is difficult, and will continue to be throughout life with the kids, as they are constantly learning and changing.

Best child discipline book I've ever read. Really helped me in all my relationships.

Amazing ideas and concrete examples on how to show authentic respect in the adult-child relationship, I have been using this book for teaching preschoolers for the last several years and I am always referring to it.

Good parental outline; reminder of what we want to nurture

I'm so glad I read this book. It was full of great ideas and rituals. Even more, it will remind the reader of the importance of rituals. I also loved that the author included the science and research behind the need for I Love You rituals. That was fantastic! Most of these rituals are too young for my daughter and my students, but the information was ageless. Right now our family is busy inventing more I Love You rituals. It was very affirming to see that we have done this naturally. But, now I am motivated to do more I Love You rituals and to do them more intentionally.

Aug 09
I just started this book last week and love it!
she is all encouragment. I got so sick of "don't do this, don't say that" in the other parenting books. she starts with encouraging parents to change their outlook on life, which we all can use in everyday living, not just parenting. she gives the tools to change our thinking. i've been making cheat sheets and taping them up all over the house...and I'm only on page 40.

Nov 09
I'm still reading the book. it is a lot to implement so I'm going slowly. I still like it and am having good results from her advice. the cheat sheets are helpful; I need to rearrange them, though, because some I see a lot and now I don't even notice. I need to buy my own copy of this book, though; I hate having a neighbor-friend's book for so long.... :)

Sept '10
I quit reading the book. Too much psycho-babble, my head was spinning. I took notes, though, of what was best in the beginning chapters and work on simple things, like LOVE and KINDNESS and not trying to force them to do what I want--within reason, because sometimes we JUST HAVE TO...brush teeth, get in the car, etc.

I'm moving on to "Shepherding a Child's Heart"

I found this book very helpful in dealing with my son's misbehavior -- realizing that misbehavior (and especially repeated misbehavior) is a part of development, and helping me to think about my reaction to it. The hard part is keeping it in mind in the heat of the moment! The book is written like a self-help/business type book (think the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), but once I got past the slightly annoying format I found that the content was really great.

I really appreciated the content in this book, but it was poorly written. Her mnemonics and “7 steps” are terrible, but the ideas surrounding them are useful. Skip to the last chapter that summarizes all the teachings, and that’s all you need. For a deeper dive on these principles read No Drama Discipline instead. It’s better written and more research based. A few takeaways:

-You can’t teach something you don’t practice. Learn self-mastery first and you’ll be a better parent
-Conflict is an indicator of growth trying to happen. View conflict as opportunities to teach
-What I focus on I get more of
-Assume positive intent

This book is amazing. Halfway through, I added it to my "need to buy" list. I'm constantly struggling with parenting, and this gives many good, focused ideas on how to not only change yourself, but lower the conflict in your home. One of the most useful parenting books I've read.