From Bad Grades to a Great Life!: Unlocking the Mystery of Achievement for Your Child

by Charles Fay

Your underachiever can grow-up to have a great life! How can I be so sure? Over the past three decades, thousands of parents and educators world-wide have discovered the power of Love and Logic. In this book you'll hear why character and personal responsibility form the foundation of lasting academic and occupational achievement. In the process you'll also learn practical skills for: Avoiding un-winnable power-struggles over homework and grades Helping children discover and capitalize upon their natural strengths Teaching politeness, respect and personal responsibility Showing children that the key to happiness involves determination and hard work.rather than luck or handouts Creating a happier family or classroom And much more!Enjoy!

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2011

Reviews

[Tacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

At your wits end because your child's teacher can only see your kid's weaknesses? Do you dread homework time? Do yourself a favor and read this book.

This should be mandatory reading for anyone who influences kids! My favorite L & L book; and I've got almost all of them. Thank you, Dr.Fay!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful and practical

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some kids seem to understand the importance of doing well in school and getting into college, and work hard to do so without a lot of prodding from parents. This book is written for parents of the rest of the kids: those who are bright but work below their potential, those who just don't care about school, those who try hard but don't get good grades, and those who are gifted or talented in areas that don't show up on report cards. (I'm thinking that includes most kids.)
This book has tips that are likely to help your child's school performance improve, but the more powerful messages to me were
* Being a responsible, respectful, kind person is more important than getting good grades.
* Criticism (even "constructive" criticism) does more harm than good and should be avoided completely.
* Each child has talents and gifts that need to be recognized and allowed to develop, whether or not they relate to school performance.
* A parent's hyper-focus on school performance actually takes the responsibility away from the child (putting it on the parent), eliminating both opportunities for growth and a sense of personal satisfaction for accomplishments. And more importantly, it can become a wedge between the parent and child that persists long after the child has graduated.
Highly recommended if you've ever battled with your child over school.

[Rikelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent to a teen who is struggling with grades, this book has been extremely helpful. It really helps one put things into perspective. It reminds you of what really is important. Is it better to be a good,kind compassionate person or is it better to get good grades? It really emphasizes helping the parent demonstrate their unconditional love to their child, despite their grades. I found the author's comments on letting go of your dream child profound. The author discusses the concept of how before our child is even born we create this fantasy child - of all the things they are going to do and be. Then, when our child is born and differ significantly from the fantasy, we are constantly comparing them to our fantasy child that they can never live up to. When you can finally mourn for and let go of the fantasy and truly learn to love and show approval for the child right in front of you, great things can happen. If your child is struggling in school, I can't recommend this book enough - get it, read it, apply it!

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book- I liked the emphasis the author made on making sure I'm raising respectful, trustworthy children who can handle responsibility. It also emphasizes the need to make sure they are responsible for their duties at home and by doing so will become a better student. I've really enjoyed learning about the Love and Logic theory.

[Lindsay Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful reminder that character is just as important as achievement and education. Love the focus on empathy, and the love and logic exercises are very helpful. It's a good book to read once, and than pick it up after every so often and refresh parenting skills with this. Very happy to have found it.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the reviewer who said you don't need to have kids with bad grades to benefit from this book. A great love and logic book which reminds you what the focus should be as a parent - helping your kids become good people. Lots of techniques and tips.

[Julianne]

Will need to pick back up when school gets closer. I just can't think about it right now.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this title very misleading. Your student doesn't have to have bad grades to benefit from this book's knowledge.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the material and loved the design ofthe book that I bought it.

[Lisa Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing terribly new here, and the writing was not Fay's best.

[Karen Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

So helpful if you're arguing with your child about schoolwork.