Making Children Mind without Losing Yours : Book Review

"Making Children Mind without Losing Yours" by Kevin Leman is a practical parenting guide that offers valuable insights and strategies for raising well-behaved children in a loving and firm manner. Drawing from his experience as a psychologist and father, Leman provides advice on establishing authority, setting boundaries, and addressing common parenting challenges.

The book highlights the importance of parental leadership and the need for clear expectations and boundaries. Leman emphasizes that parents should take charge and be confident in their role. He offers practical advice on how to establish authority without resorting to harsh discipline, allowing parents to maintain their sanity while effectively guiding their children.

A key aspect of Leman's approach is the use of consequences rather than punishment. He explains how to utilize natural and logical consequences to teach children responsibility for their actions. This approach encourages children to learn from their mistakes and make better choices in the future.

Leman also recognizes the significance of positive reinforcement and encouragement in shaping children's behavior. He provides strategies for praising and rewarding good behavior, which helps motivate children to continue behaving well.

Throughout the book, Leman addresses various parenting challenges, including sibling rivalry, bedtime battles, and mealtime meltdowns. With practical advice and real-world examples, he offers parents the tools they need to navigate these common issues with love and firmness.

What are readers saying?

The book "Making Children Mind without Losing Yours" by Kevin Leman has garnered a range of reviews from readers. The book aims to offer practical advice and strategies for parents seeking to raise well-behaved children without resorting to harsh discipline or losing their own sanity. Some readers have commended the book for its insightful and practical guidance. They appreciate Leman's approach, which emphasizes authority without being authoritarian and promotes positive reinforcement over punishment. Readers find the book relatable and appreciate Leman's use of humor to engage with them. The inclusion of anecdotes and real-life examples also resonates with parents facing similar challenges.

On the other hand, some readers express criticism of Leman's techniques, considering them too simplistic or outdated. They argue that the book fails to delve deeply into the complexities of parenting and does not address unique situations or challenges that may arise. Doubts are raised regarding the effectiveness of Leman's approach, particularly its applicability to all children or across different cultural contexts.

A common concern among readers is the perceived lack of specific, practical strategies or step-by-step instructions in the book. They feel that Leman offers general advice without providing enough concrete examples or actionable steps, leaving them uncertain about how to implement his suggestions in their own lives. Additionally, some readers note that the book predominantly focuses on parenting toddlers and young children, leaving out the challenges of raising older children and teenagers.

Despite this mixed reception, "Making Children Mind without Losing Yours" resonates with many readers who find value in Leman's insights and ideas. It appears that the book's effectiveness may vary depending on the individual reader's parenting style, their child's temperament, and the specific challenges they face.