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Dare to Discipline

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In this book, a psychologist offers urgent advice to parents and teachers on how to discipline children.

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1975

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About the author

Dr. James Dobson

55 books1 follower

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Profile Image for Caitriona Riding.
312 reviews29 followers
August 29, 2023
I went into this book knowing there was a ton of controversy surrounding it.

Happy to say I think most of it is unfounded. The things people complained about I did not see. This book does not glorify abusing your children, beating children. The author actually makes very clear distinction between punishing a child (which you shouldn’t do) & actually disciplining. I think he made very clear distinctions, and condemned abuse in every way.

Besides that, those sections are such a tiny portion of this book. It went through so much more than most reviews I found on this even mentioned. Lots of great info. Good advice. While I didn’t agree with 100% of everything in this book, it was still a very good book I would recommend to other parents.

24 reviews
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September 9, 2025
“Children thrive best in an atmosphere of genuine love, undergirded by reasonable, consistent discipline”
Profile Image for Arwen Baggins.
123 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2026
I thought it was interesting and had a lot of good points.
I may do a more thorough review in the future.

There is one thing I don't agree with. The author says that to discipline your child at times you may need to spank them, or squeeze their shoulder so they'll obey you.

I don't think you even need to do that. As long as you have clear rules and follow through, I don't think you ever need to physically discipline your children.

My parents literally never spanked me or my brother to discipline us, and we both turned out as well behaved children.

As long as you're firm and kind, I don't think it will ever get to the point where you need to spank your child.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews