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Everyday Parents Raising Great Kids
Provides advice for parents to help them raise children who will become happy, confident adults.
274 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 30, 2009
1.5 stars. Not awful, but I couldn't really say I liked it even a little. I've found that different families have different strengths and weaknesses, so a parenting book that's great for me might be useless for a good friend. This one just didn't do it for me. On the one hand, most of the information was stuff the LDS church already teaches, which, since it's not necessarily geared at an LDS audience, might be more helpful for someone who doesn't know it all already.
On the other, any new information had the unfortunate tendency of making me feel utterly guilty and inadequate. Over and over he talks about rating yourself on a ten scale, and he says that it's best to just aim at at least a 7 and then work up from there. But there are dozens of these scales, evaluating everything from how welcoming your home is to how much you yell at your children. And a personal problem with it is that he often gives examples of families that are a perfect 10 in whatever area he's talking about, rather than families that started off at 3 and improved. Because of this, I felt like I was supposed to aim at 10 in everything, no matter what he said to the contrary.
But I think the worst thing was that there was nothing concrete in it. You're told you're supposed to make your home more welcoming, but there are no examples or explanations on how to do it. So not only do I feel bad that mine isn't a perfect 10 all the time, I feel hopeless about ever getting it to be.
There is good information in it, but I didn't like the way it was presented. Oh, and it seemed geared toward older families than mine. It definitely assumes you're able to hold family counsels where the children can give their input. My kids' input? "Let's go to the park and play, Mommy!"
On the other, any new information had the unfortunate tendency of making me feel utterly guilty and inadequate. Over and over he talks about rating yourself on a ten scale, and he says that it's best to just aim at at least a 7 and then work up from there. But there are dozens of these scales, evaluating everything from how welcoming your home is to how much you yell at your children. And a personal problem with it is that he often gives examples of families that are a perfect 10 in whatever area he's talking about, rather than families that started off at 3 and improved. Because of this, I felt like I was supposed to aim at 10 in everything, no matter what he said to the contrary.
But I think the worst thing was that there was nothing concrete in it. You're told you're supposed to make your home more welcoming, but there are no examples or explanations on how to do it. So not only do I feel bad that mine isn't a perfect 10 all the time, I feel hopeless about ever getting it to be.
There is good information in it, but I didn't like the way it was presented. Oh, and it seemed geared toward older families than mine. It definitely assumes you're able to hold family counsels where the children can give their input. My kids' input? "Let's go to the park and play, Mommy!"
January 1, 2022
The main idea of this valuable book is to spend time reflecting, planning, and intentionally acting on behalf of your family. Although there is some repetition, the principles are sound and true. Very nice book.
June 17, 2021
Fantastic book!
October 29, 2008
I made it through the first 80 or so pages of this book and then skimmed through the rest. Lots of information but I don't like the voice of the author or how he presented the material. One day when I am really looking for help (which I most likely will a few years down the road) then I might appreciate all the rating lists you are supposed to fill out in this book. It is more like going to a counselor and you are really supposed to do a lot of thinking and analyzing and your own writing as you read this book. It is not just a "sit down and read" book. It is a little strange how the author presents several LDS family philosophies (like family home evening, family council, extended family nights, etc.) in a universal manner, meaning he talks about implementing them without referring to them as LDS programs. But, hey, they work.
December 22, 2009
I thought this would be a great book, but it was written like a text book and didn't hold my interest very well. I think that most parenting books should be written with a title similar to "Tried and True Principles and Techniques That Really Work and May Work for Your Family" instead of titles like "Philosophies on Being the Perfect Parent". I like books that give more examples of what to aspire to rather than philosophies that we can strive for, but are really rather impossible to achieve. The one chapter that I felt was actually really wonderful and pertinent was Chapter 8 on Creating an Atmosphere in the Home. It really helped me reflect on whether I treat people that enter into my home as important as a celebrity or whether they just are treated indifferently. That chapter I would recommend, but the rest is skim worthy.
July 9, 2009
This is a very good book on how to make parenting a planned deliberate and maximally successful experience. I love how Dr. MacArthur explains and incorporates the unavoidable role of a child's agency into his process for interacting and raising healthy children. I also really like the proactive approach to planning for a child's healthy development and the emphasis on raising children who have a healthy sense of self confidence. This is not a "sticks and carrots" approach to parenting. This book teaches parents how to develop a relationship that is based on love and mutual respect.
August 8, 2011
This is essential handbook for how to parent! I heard this man speak several years ago and felt that I had found someone who shared my philosophy and perspectives on parenting....while I knew how I FELT about parenting, I wasn't sure how to implement and put into practice those feelings and perspectives. I have read and reread and referred to this book hundreds of times in the last few years. Excellent book for moms and dads...and anyone else who wants to strengthen family bonds and understand how to build solid, meaningful relationships!
January 22, 2008
Wow, this book is really useful. This is not your typical "super parent" book. It is interactive and insightful. It makes you take a look at yourself and be honest. It has some great ideas on how to communicate with your spouse about your relationship and your children.
April 11, 2008
I really liked this book. It helps you to evaluate in a simple way many areas of your relationship with your kids. It gives you a different perspective on how to have a plan for how you want your relationships to be and to work towards it.
November 3, 2008
I haven't finished reading this book yet...but what I've read so far I love. I actually took a class from Dr. MacArthur at BYU and he was a great teacher. So I got this book because I knew it would have a lot of the same principles he taught in class.
March 6, 2008
I loved this book and the idea that each of us everyday are "writing on our child's blackboard". It really makes you think and aware of what message your are giving your child everyday. Loved it!
June 5, 2008
Written by an LDS author, although not written specifically to an LDS audience. It was very good but I didn't feel like it gave me anything I didn't already know.
September 3, 2008
Not the best parenting book I've read, but good. Some good ideas and things to think about.
November 12, 2008
Lots of good advice for parents with pre-teen and teen agers. Love that it's an LDS author.
May 25, 2010
Ok, so, yes, it does read a bit like a text book. I loved it because I read it before I was even pregnant and it helped me create my ideals for parenting and family.
July 12, 2010
The book is amazing. The author is amazing. I actually use this book as a reference. My favorite idea is the blackboard concept.
January 23, 2008
This is a wonderful book on how intentionally parent and how to strengthen family ties.
December 17, 2011
Just Ok. I had high expectations.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews