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"Have you done your homework?" "Don't use that language!" "How many times do I have to tell you?" Familiar lines to every parent, these statements and 77 others introduce frustrating situations that are played out for readers in Bringing Out the Best in Your Child.
But the real value of this book comes as Cynthia Tobias and Carol Funk provide ways to "Recognize the Strength" in your child and "Focus on Accountability" for each situation. The authors bring to light positive values in our children we parents may have missed in our distress over the behavior, eg., the strong-willed child may have leadership qualities; the stubborn child is usually steadfast.
Tobias and Funk (both are learning styles specialists and each has two sons) also help parents deal creatively with the particular source of frustration by getting the child to recognize what he or she is doing and suggesting ways for change. The authors walk the fine line between loving your children and improving their behavior.
Parents of children from age two to the teens will find help in Bringing Out the Best in Your Child. Starting with problems in the early years, the book moves to complaints like "I want the most expensive one" and "Get off that telephone." At the back is a suggested form for parents to record their child's strengths and solutions that work, as well as an excellent list of other related books.
In the end, a reader comes away with the overwhelming idea that love is the answer. That may be what God had in mind when He gave us children.
Raynell Smithson is a freelance reviewer from Crossville, TN.
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