Soft-Spoken Parenting
A few months ago I was charged with the assignment to beef up our "Parenting Library" to comply with a contract for Safe and Stable Families. I was given a budget and created a list. While having this on my mind, I noticed on my friend Dr. Wally's website an offer for free books that he had authored. I had already read one of his books and had no doubt that any project he was associated with would be worth my time.
I wrote in to the e-mail on his site and quickly received a copy of Soft-Spoken Parenting. It took me a couple days to actually start reading because of work and things, but I sat down and read it last weekend. I suppose it was particularly interesting to me because as I read I could picture his mannerisms, facial expressions, and children as he told the stories.
That is not all that is good about this book. I have so many clients (or rather, parents of clients) that I would like to read this book. It is about not losing your temper with your children and the many ways that can be done. While I was reading this book from a therapist's perspective, there were wonderful options at the end of each suggestion. A place to check whether the suggested method was something the reader could do, had done (but not consistently), would not fit them, as well as a place for notes on progress.
I loved how the book invited the reader to evaluate him/herself after each suggestion to think toward action instead of just reading and not doing. Many times, the parents have difficulty owning their part in their child's negative behavior. This book allows a parent to be insightful about themselves without being offensive or blaming. I've always loved Dr. Wally and his ways of teaching and this is just one more way that he gets more points from me. Plus, I was able to save my work a little money. :)
If you think you may speak a little harshly with your children and later regret it, read this book and follow its counsel. I think you'll be amazed at the difference it will make in your homes.
