A parenting and education revolution!
355199
I learned a great deal from this book. It's evidence-based but also practical and sympathetic. So much of the conventional wisdom about what's best for kids -- in school, at home, about safety, about academics for young kids -- is not supported by solid research. The book is engaging and inspiring for parents and educators!
4003961
Lori wrote a marvelous book for any Homeschool parent. It is succinct and precise in its message and provides parents the encouragement needed to propel their children far beyond the confines of the merely traditional 'educational models.' The author has much to say about how monitoring, mentoring, collaborating and engaging self-directed learners means encouraging our children to pursue the educational interests they already feel passionate about. This book is about empowerment--and not just of our children, but the empowerment of the parent to feel the freedom of inspiring our kids into becoming life-long-learners. Project-Based learning is a platform from which our children can boundlessly achieve in any area because the focus starts with what interests them deeply.
This book was one my daughter and I found & read together after completing our own Mother-Daughter Homeschool Book: Thanks, But I'll Teach My Own Kid. A New Generation of Fearless Learners, because the serendipitous nature of her words resonated deeply with our own path as Homeschoolers. Lori has provided parents and their children with a fresh, positive, approach to parenting and educating in this informative book. It's full of easy-to-apply methods for raising a successful, well-adjusted, intelligent and very happy homeschooler. We would recommend it as one a handful of books (out of hundreds) whose inspiration on good pedagogical practices has profound value in its approach.
Lori's book is focused on helping children live a most balanced life and learning how to follow-through on their own. The focus of Lori's book helps parents looking beyond the mere acquisition of facts and skills, to the realization that our children will become undeniably more successful and intelligent when those skills are acquired 'organically' by 'digging deeply' into what interests them. Project-Based Homeschooling: Mentoring Self-Directed Learners provides parents with the conviction that we absolutely have the power to change our family-life to reflect our core values.
Thank you from one Homeschool Parent & Author to another. Sincerely, TheJennieration.com
2165217
seriously parenting is not always easy, teaching kids self-government is a life long goal but Nicholeen's book helps in so many ways to accomplish this goal.  Our family is happier, less whiny, more obedient, more in control, and able to analyze their true feelings since applying the principles in this book.  Thanks so much!
4928867
I put this book on my wish list last December and my husband got it for me. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! In fact, my husband told me to stop reading it at bedtime because I would get so excited, that I couldn't sleep.

I have read tons of books on educational reform and alternative education in my search for a solid and enlightened educational model for my 2 daughters. I was tired of reading books that just pointed at problems and those that talk about how bad the school system is. Not helpful.

Then I read SelfDesign. This book is positive and thought-provoking. It offers a way of guiding your children's learning and growth that is WAY BEYOND the school system. It is focused on solutions - not problems. And for those of us parents who are trying to raise our children consciously and make enlightened choices, SelfDesign is both awakening and affirming.

I highly recommend this book to all parents and anyone who is interested in empowering children and families. You will learn how to create an amazing, joy-filled learning environment for you and your children.
3954612
This book is fabulous for learning about Parenting Customs Around the World.

I so enjoyed reading this book! It helped to make me a more informed and RELAXED parent, which is something that my husband and I really value!!! Our household has so much more fun now.

Now, when others tell me that I'm raising my kid wrong, I educate them about how their perspective is cultural. They're usually quite stunned when presented with information they've never encountered or contemplated before. It opens up a whole new realm of possibilities that are simply fascinating.

Ever heard of The Mommy Wars?
The pressure to fit the mold of being a stellar parent in America, doing everything perfectly to the maximum?
Yeah, this book gives a different, kinder perspective that allows for options.
I view this book and Parenting Without Borders, as a parents advocate to having a relaxed, happy and fun life.
531301
"It's Not rocket science, It's Parenthood" is a must read parenting book. A BIG, BIG and BIGGER thank you to Ms. Jackson for writing this book. Having two kids under the age of four, reading this now was perfect timing, although there are golden nuggets even if they were both in their teens. From teaching self-control to rewarding to disciplining, this book will help shape how my wife and I approach raising our children as we nodded along with most, if not all, of what we read. So, so glad to have read this; I will be providing an update in about six months to show how things go!!!!

If you have kids, BUY this book now!!!
1763682
Feeling confident and guiding our children in healthy and positive ways is one of the biggest challenges of parenting. Daily we are called upon to make choices, only to discover we aren't always sure what to do. Alice's book, "Parenting Inspired," gives us just the tools for growing ourselves into the kind of parent we'd like to be so we can create great relationships with our children now and into our future. She has combined her thoughtful and inspiring words with stories of real families and do-able action steps that can make a real and positive difference in any parent's life. Even embracing just a bit of her book will leave a parent feeling supported, encouraged, and empowered to create the change they want the most!
3750725
What an amazing resource for parents and other adults with small children in their lives! The guide is chock full of insightful and inspirational ideas combined with proven methods to help us to become more authentic and happier people and thus in the process "Be the Wisdom" we want to see in our children. A must read for all parents and parents-to-be!
4773989
This is a must for all parents!  Colorful and practical, it is filled with 10 important words to help you become a better parent.  I really liked the Things to THINK About sections and ways to implement each word.  There is even a Notes section to check your progress!  The Straight from the Teacher's Mouth section is packed with even more helpful hints.  This will be my new gift for expectant parents and my own children, too!
130835
This is one of the BEST books I have ever purchased! The book arrived in great shape and is providing me with great help in dealing with my own children along with students who struggle in their schooling so far. This book is a great help for parents who want to raise their children to be responsible for their actions and be more self-motivated. Highly recommended to ALL! Can't believe that anyone would let this book and its great help out of their possession.
3119385
As a former teacher's aid and fosterparent of special needs children, this book is a must read. This is an educational revolution as doctors, surgeons and clinicians are finally able to write about what happens in the developing brain in ways that validate what many caregivers already know.  This book is extremely useful for understanding the effects of neglect and abuse on children we care for daily. It clearly defines the further damage done to developing minds as they are repeatedly moved around within child welfare systems. Yet it is hopeful and shows the developing mind is resilient and can heal if given the chance.

This information should be MANDATORY reading for all social workers, family court judges and family lawyers who take control or are given guardianship over children's lives, placements and moves. Better yet, make a course based on it, please!
1818862
My daughter has ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  Nine months of weekly therapy sessions, along with numerous parenting workshops and parenting books, left little to no improvement in my daughter's behavior or the disruptive force it had in our home and our marriage. I finally tried the Total Transformation.  Within the first hour of starting the progam, I was empowered with tools to help her and our family.  Within 2 weeks, she was doing her homework, doing her chores, and following house rules without talking back. The skills I continue to learn as I progress through the program will, I believe, help her become the best person she can be.  My husband and I are so grateful for the Total Transformation--it is an incredible contribution to today's families, and the next generation!
845346
I have many times heard my friends and colleagues say, Being a parent doesnt come with a manual! After reading through this book, I am confident that there is now a worthwhile resource!

Paul has the unique ability to create fresh new thinking in how we have conversations, listen, and build relationships. If you are a parent, grandparent, or work with children - this book is a must read. Buy it for yourself and gift it to others!
2493667
This book excels in pointing out how our current educational system and many parents fails to teach sound economic and financial principles to kids.  I have several friends who related very much with the kid with the "poor dad".  They were never taught any type of basic financial principles, and it was evident in their lives.  This book helped to change that around for them, and for myself.  I strongly encourage reading this book!
1280696
This new parenting resource, by the current president of the American Psychological Association and director of the Yale Parenting Center and Conduct Clinic, is THE MOST PHENOMENAL PARENTING BOOK I'VE EVERY READ!  As a pediatric nurse and parent of an anxious 9-year-old and occasionally defiant 11-year-old, I was searching for ways to decrease conflict and stress in our family.  I checked out this book from the library and thought I'd read a chapter or two that evening, but I ended up staying up until 2 am to finish the book because I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!  The next morning, I purchased copies of the book for myself, my brother-in-law, and my mom (who's a child therapist).  Very easy to read and refreshingly down-to-earth (even funny at times), Kazdin's book is ABSOLUTELY REVOLUTIONARY in his approach to help parents understand WHY certain discipline methods are ineffective and WHAT parents can do to really change children's behavior WITHOUT THE USUAL POWER STRUGGLES, YELLING, OR HARSH PUNISHMENTS.  Also, my kids are very excited about the positive changes in our family!  "WOW!" is all I can say!  I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book to family, friends, coworkers, and parents of my patients at work.  THANK YOU, DR. KAZDIN!
2291377
I would highly recommend this book!!! It has been an excellent resource for us!

Durbin has different topics arranged alphabetically, like a dictionary or index (and not all are negative--you can look up things like "courage", etc), so it's easy to find what you are looking for. And for each topic, there are Bible verses you can read and memorize with your children (she highlights easy parts for young children to memorize) as well as a little discussion/activity session you can have with your kids that gets them thinking through scenarios and consequences.

It's not a curriculum or even really a book. It's more of a quick reference. I keep it on our kitchen counter, and I just pull it out to refer to in the "heat" of the moment. I really like that aspect of it, as it wasn't overwhelming me with a bunch of parenting philosophies or "how-to"s that I had to read through and try to remember to incorporate throughout the day, nor would it intimidate or bore my kids as curriculum/instruction. It is simply a very practical tool I can use as needed (i.e., to nip it in the bud!)

For most of what we have dealt with, I now can usually just say the scripture reference, like "Ephesians 6:1", and they know exactly what I mean and what they need to do or stop doing.

Parenting with Scripture has been an invaluable tool in my parenting journey!
1458659
Extremely helpful, fun and easy to read.  A positive approach to parenting providing practical guidance on how to prevent childhood illnesses. Full of innovative ideas, clear and concise narrative.  Every parent should read!