[.ca] Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: The 7 Basic ... (ISBN 0060007753)

This Book Changed My Life:
I have read quite a few parenting books, and until recently I considered Faber & Mazlisch's books (including How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids will Talk) to be the absolute pinnacle. But if Faber & Mazlisch are like a college course in parenting, Becky Bailey's book is graduate school. I am deeply grateful to her for writing this book, and to the friend who told me, "You have to read this book! I want to load up an airplane with copies and drop them all over America!" Unlike many parenting books which just offer tips and tricks for gaining children's compliance, Bailey's book is aimed at helping parents achieve self-control and self-discipline, so that they can then teach these skills to their children. When my friend first told me about the themes of the book, I thought, "Oh great. Just what I need--a book to make me feel bad about how out-of-control I am, how angry I feel towards my kids, how much I yell, etc." But it wasn't that way at all. Reading the chapter on "Assertiveness," for example, I realized that I do not need to feel guilty about my anger; I just needed to make a switch from saying to the children, "YOU are MAKING me furious" to saying "I feel furious when you yell in my ear. You can talk to me in a quiet voice, and I will listen." The first expression implies that children are responsible for their mother's feelings. The second lets me express my feelings, set boundaries, and give the children the information they need to make better choices. Since reading the book, I feel better about myself and my children. It has strengthened my feelings of self-respect as well as helping me treat me children with respect. I look forward to applying my new skills in my adult relationships as well!

What a difference this book makes!:
I originally borrowed this book from the library, but half way though I went out and bought my own copy. The concepts expressed in this book have helped me change my view of life both with my child and in my personal/professional life. Thanks to this book, instead of constantly questioning my daughter ("What are you doing?!") I am able to direct her to a positive result in an encouraging manner. And the best part is that she actually listens! I recommend this book for every parent.

These methods really work!:
I loved this book and all the info contained therein. It makes sense in that it talks specifics about brain chemistry and hormone releasesto back up the time tested theories. I would recommend it to every parent, new or otherwise. If every parent would read this book, our next generation's potential would be limitless!

Hits the nail on the head:
At first I was a skeptic. I thought, "How can this book make my child behave?" After not just reading this book, but actually using the techniques, our family is commmunicating better. My girls (ages 7 and 1) are making good choices with less power struggles. We learn best in a cooperative, positive environment. My mother made me behave through humiliation, fear, and anger. I am relearning how to parent. The techniques that Becky Bailey gives in this book do work. It will take a little time and some effort. But believe me, it is well worth it. Not only does this book help with parenting, it also helps with relationships in general.

A fabulous, from-the-heart parenting book!:
So when was the last time you listened to anyone who tried to tell you how to raise your child? Ah, right . . . me, too. But wait! Becky Bailey really has some great stuff to share, and if you're willing to expand your horizons, you can dig deep into a gentle and creative mind to discover innovative and amazingly effective techniques that will have you and your child bonding like Super Glue. But we're already closer than Klingons! Okay, I hear you. But imagine if you could learn some very simple dialogue and fresh ideas that, with patience and practice, could make the difference between a full-blown tantrum and a tame teaching experience? The author emphasizes respectful, loving guidance for children and encourages parents to examine themselves as role models in more ways than one. Her book filled me with new insights into the ways that I treat myself which are reflected onto my child and stamped onto his own self-esteem. Becky Bailey has a very gentle and positive style that really encouraged me to reassess and improve not just my parenting skills but my communication techniques in all relationships. The gentle book is ripe with positive parenting advice that your heart will totally agree with. Even if you don't have the time or inclination to read cover to cover, you can still gain much wisdom from flipping to any random chapter. I know I must sound like Becky Bailey's PR person, but I promise I'm not! I am just a pooped Mom who stumbled upon this marvelous material. I gratefully absorbed this wonderful book and all it has to offer, and know I will reference it for positive reinforcement in the years to come. I recommend this book to everyone I know! The loving, gentle and respectful style is in perfect accord with my attachment parenting philosophy, and the fresh ideas were exactly what I needed to refine and improve my skills as my son turned the "toddler corner". A must-have for any attuned parent, grandparent or caregiver.