Product Description
The nationally syndicated columnist and childrearing expert presents a thought-provoking study of child-directed discipline, offering a straightforward, common-sense approach to the issue of discipline, parental authority, and self-esteem. Original. 30,000 first printing…. More >>
#1 by H. Zuniga on July 17th, 2010
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Did any of these reviewers actually read this book? Or did they just go from page to page, screaming as their carefully cultivated sensibilities were challenged? It appears that they did, since their comments are word for word the same as those used by numerous so-called experts who continually tout their beliefs based on little or no data and would have us believe that their opinions are facts. This book does not advocate spanking. If you do not believe in spanking, then this book will not convince you otherwise. Unlike anti-spanking advocates who do all they can to shove their opinions down everyone’s throat, Rosemond is not trying to convince anyone to spank. This book is for people who already believe in spanking or who are undecided. And, strange as it sounds, this book can actually prevent child abuse as Rosemond provides guidelines for administering a spanking so as to make it effective, as well as advice on how to raise a well behaved child using a variety of forms of discipline. He constantly reminds the reader that a spanking should be short (one or two swats at the most), should not be administered with the intention of causing pain, should only be given with a hand and never a foreign object (belt, switch, etc.), should never be given on bare skin, and numerous other restrictions. He even objects to the common practice of slapping a child’s hand! Does this sound like a person advocating child abuse? The method advocated here is a quick spanking used to get a child’s attention, but Rosemond clearly states that the action of spanking should NOT be the punishment. People who use spanking as a punishment are more likely to cross the line from discipline to abuse. Studies have shown that parents who do not use corporal punishment are more likely to explode at a child and cause real harm. Rosemond probably knows what he’s talking about as part of his career involved counseling parents whose children were taken away due to abuse. This book is to help people keep control of their kids from day one, and not lose control of the child(ren) and themselves and possibly do something they will regret later. If you do not spank, don’t feel threatened, for Rosemond will not try to convince you to do so. If you do spank, this book is an excellent way to ensure that your child will get the maximum benefit from it, as well as giving numerous other disciplinary methods to ensure a well-behaved child that people like to have around. In short, read the book with an open mind. You might be surprised to find advice that you can take home.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Nolan K on July 17th, 2010
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I have to believe that the negative reviews of this book are by people that have an agenda or have not read this book.
Rosemond makes very clear the difference between HITTING and SPANKING. And he states there are other more effect ways to disipline a child.
He further says that a steady diet of spankings are not productive. But that an occasional pop on the rear end is effective in getting the child’s attention so that you can communicate your message to the child, and that spanking alone will accomplish nothing.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by K. Wells on July 17th, 2010
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I believe this book has useful information. Whether you decide to spank or not spank, just make an informed decision. This is just one of many resources I checked before my husband and I made a choice. All parents should make that informed choice, and the parenting team, should be in agreement. I know this got both good and bad reviews. I guess it’s just a matter of whether you agree with the author or not. Whether I agree or not doesn’t matter, the book still has useful information that should be read by all parents.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Anonymous on July 17th, 2010
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The theme of this book is to point out that there are profound differences in “spanking” when it is done appropriately and what others refer to as “hitting.” Unlike some other child psychologists who want to lump everything from spanking to murder into one category, Rosemund reveals the element that is being left out of the discipline equation–common sense. Experts tell parents that if they are intelligent, they don’t need spanking to discipline their children–but intelligence also means being able to interject reason into the decision making process. The logic of the anti-spanking movement doesn’t wash!
Rating: 4 / 5
#5 by Anonymous on July 17th, 2010
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Writers always seem to want to bash spanking, even though the research has never proven spanking is bad (90% of parents have spanked!). This book gives very good suggestions and I would recommend it to anyone who wants an unbiased discipline book.
Rating: 3 / 5