On Becoming Childwise. Parenting Your Child from 3 7 Years

Customer Reviews

Helpful Tips

2008-11-20
I really enjoyed this book. It is a wonderful and practical parenting resource. It was encouraging to read it as it re-enforces the vision at our church and gives many of the same principles and tips.

Spot On

2008-05-21
This book has been life changing for me and my family. My only regret is not reading this book sooner. My life as a parent has gotten easier and more rewarding since applying the principles in this book. My six year old is taking on more responsibilities because I am now educated on how to transfer tasks to him. He gets himself ready for school without me having to nag him over and over again ( brush your teeth, wash your hands, get dressed, get your back pack, etc.). My 2 year old who used to like coming into my room at 5:30 AM is now sleeping in her bed until I come in to get her at an appropriate time in the morning (she is doing this because she now realizes that mommies and daddies don't like be woken up in the middle of the night, just like she wouldn't like to be woken up - treat others how you want to be treated). Best of all both of my kids are on the right path to becoming empathetic, caring citizens not selfish little twits.

Not a bad book but very basic

2008-03-14
This book was a good review on basic child development and the use of schedules. Not what I was looking for. I like Love & Logic and How To Discipline with Love much better for parenting ideas. I am not much on structuring your whole day and life for kids.

I can't believe it's still out there.....

2008-03-12
Please be very careful if you "must" give this book any consideration. It is dangerous, divisive and in many ways...UN-Christ-like! There are MANY better sources out there by Dr. Dobson, Dr. Sears and Dr. Brazelton.

Practical stuff.

2008-02-23
I found the book to be full of practical advice and I like his emphasis on training children to be considerate of others.

excellent book

2007-11-23
As a child moves beyond the toddler years, new challenges arise for parents. Be prepared for this exciting stage with fifteen "Childwise" principles for training children ages 3-7 in happy and responsible living.

Good Food For Thought

2007-08-24
I have read "On Becoming Babywise" (vol. I and II) as well as the "Toddlerwise", "Preschool", and have just finished "Childwise". Here is what I found particularly helpful in the "On Becoming..." Series:
1)The emphasis on a loving marriage.
2)Stressing healthy eating and sleeping habits as a foundation to happy children (if you are smart about it even a busy mom can serve healthy food)
3)Obtaining eye contact then expecting a "Yes, Mama" or "Yes, Papa" after you ask your child to do something. More importantly, is the idea that even at a fairly young age, you begin to teach your child the "whys" of your rules (e.g. "We take care of other people's property!"). Said at an opportune moment, and always with the same inflection it can become a mantra that your little one soon enough will understand. ... My neighbor watched our two children (3 years and 15 months)for two hours while I helped my husband direct the moving company. ... At the end of their playtime together, the neighbor said to the oldest (boy)that they may just leave the toys out and she would get them later. My son then replied, "Oh no, we take care of other people's property" and then began to put the toys away. ...
4)Complimenting your child's good behavior to reinforce it ("Thank you, Samuel for not allowing the screen door to slam while baby Sara is sleeping. That was very considerate."). ... Add a gentle hug and you have a 2 1/2 year old beaming with pride. ... Now as a 3 y/o, making his big-boy bed makes him even more proud.
5)Deciding whether your child is being disobedient or just childish (it makes a difference). ...

There are other wonderful tools I have integrated into my parenting tool belt. These book have been a delight to use. ... Because we do not just live from moment to moment, we can also plan for lifes little pleasures (e.g. playtime with Mama and Papa or even family outtings).
... Despite what Attatchment Parenting people believe, training your child to navigate through his society is not a bad thing, it is the right thing and loving thing to do.

Great ideas for positive parenting

2007-02-10
This book gave me GREAT ideas on how to help build moral character into my children! Good advice and perspective for creating a peaceful, loving home atmosphere too. A must-read for any parent!

Excellent Guidance - Lead by Example

2007-01-03
This book not only provides good how-to's, but also relates to why younger children are becoming more and more disrespectful in today's society. I was surprised on how the book was less focused on training the child but more on coaching and retraining Mom and Dad! Lead by example is the true 'moral of the story'. I have implemented some facets and seen positive results/behaviours. Remember people,.....this, as any child-help-book is advice....you either take it or leave it.

Loved it!

2006-12-12
We have four children (ages 7-2). This book is filled with wonderful advice. I read the book twice and took notes. We are using, "Yes, Mommy" and "Yes, Daddy" and it has been very helpful in preventing the need for discipline.
I love the suggestion that children need to know not only what they did wrong, but also the principle behind it.
I also liked the idea of teaching the children the difference of saying, "I'm sorry" and "Will you forgive me?".
This book is wonderful for any parent, whether they are experiencing huge discipline issues, or whether they just need a few more tools to add to their "belt".