What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Con Your Kid
The Book Your Children Don’t Want You to Read
How to Con Your Kid is the most useful (and sneakiest) parenting manual you’ll ever purchase. Within are hundreds of tips, techniques, and simple scams for getting your child to do exactly what you want—with your child none the wiser. For mealtime, bedtime, bathtime, and any other time of the day (or night), you’ll learn
• Get your kid to eat by playing on his possessiveness.
• Get your kid to bathe by “swimming” in the tub.
• Get your kid to talk quietly by whispering back.
• Get your kid to take medicine by pretending it’s superhero juice.
• Get your kid to sit still by playing “I Spy.”
And dozens more tricks of the parenting trade!
How to Con Your Kid is the most useful (and sneakiest) parenting manual you’ll ever purchase. Within are hundreds of tips, techniques, and simple scams for getting your child to do exactly what you want—with your child none the wiser. For mealtime, bedtime, bathtime, and any other time of the day (or night), you’ll learn
• Get your kid to eat by playing on his possessiveness.
• Get your kid to bathe by “swimming” in the tub.
• Get your kid to talk quietly by whispering back.
• Get your kid to take medicine by pretending it’s superhero juice.
• Get your kid to sit still by playing “I Spy.”
And dozens more tricks of the parenting trade!
- GenresParentingNonfiction
160 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2005
23 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
David Borgenicht
121 books18 followersDavid Borgenicht is the creator and co-author of the best-selling WORST CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK series. He is also the author of dozens of other books, including THE STAR TREK BOOK OF OPPOSITES and HOW TO CON YOUR KID. He is the president and publisher of Quirk Books (www.quirkbooks.com), Philadelphia-based publishers of entertaining, informative, and amusing fiction and non-fiction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 14, 2012
Good morning folks. I am popping in to tell you how the week with the grandbabes is going on around here. As you would expect it is hopping. We have had so many different type of activities. It is something that I remember when I was growing up. Going to my grandparents farm for breaks. We picked fresh veggies from the garden, hunted eggs from the chickens and learned how to cook some of the best desserts ever. I loved helping feed the cows and watching my grandpa wrangle the calves. It was great times. Now I want my own grandbabes to have those type of memories. And I know they will not happen unless I make them happen.
Now of course I have the lee-way to spoil the babes. But instead I look for how I can have a great time with them and keep them following the rules of life. Like no fit throwing. Sheesh! It is not really hard, I mean I am a pretty old hand on conning kids. Yeah you heard me right. It is not really hard. Instead of just preaching the hard line of rules you can get kids to do what you want in a fun way. It is not so much as bending the rules as bending the situations. You do it too!
If you need help learning this then look up How to Con Your Kid from Quirk Books. My grandbabes bring boundless joy into my life. But they also bring temper tantrums, stubborn moods, and 90-decibel fits of hysterical screaming. We had a melt down last night at the grocery store. And instead of letting him get his way we decided to ignore the fit. I felt it would just last a couple of minutes if we did not feed into it. But he had gone through that with his mom already in the past. So instead I conned him. I looked around all confused. Then I asked Dear Hubby aka Coppie if he had seen our grandson? Smart Coppie caught on really quick and said no he had not. I pretended to look all around calling his name softly. That stopped the fit while our grandbabe tried to show me he was right there. Yeah, one minute and we were off and shopping with giggles.
How to Con Your Kid shows how parents can con their toddlers to do anything-and we mean anything. Want your kid to try broccoli? Serve her a plate of “baby trees.” Want her to take a bath? Put on a bathing suit and go “swimming” together. From simple “short cons” to more elaborate, step-by-step scams, How to Con Your Kid features tricks and tips for the home, travel, school, daycare, and more. You can get your kid to help with chores by naming him “Mom’s Special Assistant.” Help get your kid moving by racing her to the corner. Or even get your kid to share by suggesting he trade instead. Plus, for those rare moments when everything fails, they have included two sheets of “bribe stickers”. Thanks to David Borgenicht and James Grace for sharing their book with us.
Now of course I have the lee-way to spoil the babes. But instead I look for how I can have a great time with them and keep them following the rules of life. Like no fit throwing. Sheesh! It is not really hard, I mean I am a pretty old hand on conning kids. Yeah you heard me right. It is not really hard. Instead of just preaching the hard line of rules you can get kids to do what you want in a fun way. It is not so much as bending the rules as bending the situations. You do it too!
If you need help learning this then look up How to Con Your Kid from Quirk Books. My grandbabes bring boundless joy into my life. But they also bring temper tantrums, stubborn moods, and 90-decibel fits of hysterical screaming. We had a melt down last night at the grocery store. And instead of letting him get his way we decided to ignore the fit. I felt it would just last a couple of minutes if we did not feed into it. But he had gone through that with his mom already in the past. So instead I conned him. I looked around all confused. Then I asked Dear Hubby aka Coppie if he had seen our grandson? Smart Coppie caught on really quick and said no he had not. I pretended to look all around calling his name softly. That stopped the fit while our grandbabe tried to show me he was right there. Yeah, one minute and we were off and shopping with giggles.
How to Con Your Kid shows how parents can con their toddlers to do anything-and we mean anything. Want your kid to try broccoli? Serve her a plate of “baby trees.” Want her to take a bath? Put on a bathing suit and go “swimming” together. From simple “short cons” to more elaborate, step-by-step scams, How to Con Your Kid features tricks and tips for the home, travel, school, daycare, and more. You can get your kid to help with chores by naming him “Mom’s Special Assistant.” Help get your kid moving by racing her to the corner. Or even get your kid to share by suggesting he trade instead. Plus, for those rare moments when everything fails, they have included two sheets of “bribe stickers”. Thanks to David Borgenicht and James Grace for sharing their book with us.
May 4, 2012
This book has me scared.
Shouldn't we be teaching our kids that there are somethings in life that aren't pleasant but we have to do them, we have to work through them, we have to cope?
This book teaches how to play "games" to teach your children life skills. No wonder parents are so exhausted!
I did read one that I agree with, it talks about teaching your child how to talk with others. They authors recommend role-playing different types of conversations and I think that is a good idea.
But the whining jar where the child GETS a treat when he doesn't whine instead of losing a privilege when he whines? Ugh.
Shouldn't we be teaching our kids that there are somethings in life that aren't pleasant but we have to do them, we have to work through them, we have to cope?
This book teaches how to play "games" to teach your children life skills. No wonder parents are so exhausted!
I did read one that I agree with, it talks about teaching your child how to talk with others. They authors recommend role-playing different types of conversations and I think that is a good idea.
But the whining jar where the child GETS a treat when he doesn't whine instead of losing a privilege when he whines? Ugh.
May 22, 2012
Disclaimer: I got this book free for review.
Coming from Quirk, you know this not going to be your typical parenting book. It does have a bit of a twist. Written by 2 fathers (possibly the first parenting book written by men that's come across my desk....see how professional that sounds: across my desk), David Borgenicht and James Grace (they also wrote some of the the Worst-Case Scenario Handbooks).
To be honest, my first thought was, "Great! Let's teach more manipulation to an overwhelmingly manipulative society." But as your mother has been telling you since you were 4, don't judge a book by it's cover (or title for that matter). The fellas do a really good job of teaching newbie parents the tricks of the trade.
We've all done things to convince our kids to do something they're reluctant to attempt. This books breaks it down into Con Jobs. For example, the con: get your kid to play alone. First off they explain just what we're trying to do. This one is pretty obvious. Then they teach you to lay the ground work. "The key to increasing the odds that your child will play by himself for any period of time is to be realistic about your expectations. If you think that you will make a four-course meal, do your laundry, write your dissertation, and catch up with a colleague today, you are in for disappointment." They guys suggest that you "hype the fact he's doing something special and 'grown up'" whenever he plays by himself.
Then they lay out the basic cons: Play music, set up a toy testing area where your child needs to play with a group of toys to figure out which one he likes best, let him mimic what ever task you're working at (cooking, cleaning, typing), make a blanket tent to distract him, etc.
Next comes the short cons: "Why don't you teach your brother [dolls/stuffed animals] how to play _____?"
or "...I'll read you one story either before or after? Do you want to hear it now or later?" Simple, sweet ways to give them a choice (what kid doesn't crave making their own decisions) and nudge them in the direction you need them to go.
Each con ends with a section called If They're On to You telling you what to do if the distraction doesn't work.
Having been at this for 10 1/2 years & having 4 kids, there weren't too many tricks I haven't learned along the way, but if someone had given me this book when BabyGirl was learning to walk, it would have helped immensely with the New Mom Learning Curve. I can't wait until there's a new mom in the family I can pre-arm with this book!
Coming from Quirk, you know this not going to be your typical parenting book. It does have a bit of a twist. Written by 2 fathers (possibly the first parenting book written by men that's come across my desk....see how professional that sounds: across my desk), David Borgenicht and James Grace (they also wrote some of the the Worst-Case Scenario Handbooks).
To be honest, my first thought was, "Great! Let's teach more manipulation to an overwhelmingly manipulative society." But as your mother has been telling you since you were 4, don't judge a book by it's cover (or title for that matter). The fellas do a really good job of teaching newbie parents the tricks of the trade.
We've all done things to convince our kids to do something they're reluctant to attempt. This books breaks it down into Con Jobs. For example, the con: get your kid to play alone. First off they explain just what we're trying to do. This one is pretty obvious. Then they teach you to lay the ground work. "The key to increasing the odds that your child will play by himself for any period of time is to be realistic about your expectations. If you think that you will make a four-course meal, do your laundry, write your dissertation, and catch up with a colleague today, you are in for disappointment." They guys suggest that you "hype the fact he's doing something special and 'grown up'" whenever he plays by himself.
Then they lay out the basic cons: Play music, set up a toy testing area where your child needs to play with a group of toys to figure out which one he likes best, let him mimic what ever task you're working at (cooking, cleaning, typing), make a blanket tent to distract him, etc.
Next comes the short cons: "Why don't you teach your brother [dolls/stuffed animals] how to play _____?"
or "...I'll read you one story either before or after? Do you want to hear it now or later?" Simple, sweet ways to give them a choice (what kid doesn't crave making their own decisions) and nudge them in the direction you need them to go.
Each con ends with a section called If They're On to You telling you what to do if the distraction doesn't work.
Having been at this for 10 1/2 years & having 4 kids, there weren't too many tricks I haven't learned along the way, but if someone had given me this book when BabyGirl was learning to walk, it would have helped immensely with the New Mom Learning Curve. I can't wait until there's a new mom in the family I can pre-arm with this book!
March 9, 2012
From Lilac Wolf and Stuff
I'm unsure how seriously to take this book. There really were some great tips in there, but there were some that will probably drive you and your child to therapy. Like telling a child with ratty hair that there are evil witches in there tangling it up...seriously not a good idea! Or the nose goblins, if it doesn't mess them up it will increase the amount of nose picking.
It is seriously a good read, entertaining and as I said, I did come away with a few tips I will try out. Like make getting ready a race. I did that yesterday when it was time to leave Grandma & Grandpa's house and it worked! I said "I bet I"ll get my shoes on before you get your boots on!" And they both raced downstairs and got their boots, raced back up and put them on while I worked (so very hard - lol) on getting my shoes on. And yes they both beat me. Then I raced CW with his coat and Chris raced Ivan. Fastest we ever got back on the road. I think this would make a unique shower gift, in a basket with some other little baby gifts.
I'm unsure how seriously to take this book. There really were some great tips in there, but there were some that will probably drive you and your child to therapy. Like telling a child with ratty hair that there are evil witches in there tangling it up...seriously not a good idea! Or the nose goblins, if it doesn't mess them up it will increase the amount of nose picking.
It is seriously a good read, entertaining and as I said, I did come away with a few tips I will try out. Like make getting ready a race. I did that yesterday when it was time to leave Grandma & Grandpa's house and it worked! I said "I bet I"ll get my shoes on before you get your boots on!" And they both raced downstairs and got their boots, raced back up and put them on while I worked (so very hard - lol) on getting my shoes on. And yes they both beat me. Then I raced CW with his coat and Chris raced Ivan. Fastest we ever got back on the road. I think this would make a unique shower gift, in a basket with some other little baby gifts.
July 22, 2020
Con your kids
This book is great for helping get your child to get over tough situations. My son stopped wining because of this book
This book is great for helping get your child to get over tough situations. My son stopped wining because of this book
June 29, 2020
Dość ciekawa pozycja, wiele sztuczek wydaje się naprawdę interesująca i skuteczna. Porady zdają się mieć zastosowanie bardziej do kilkulatków niż np. 2 latków ale książka droga nie jest a dodatkowa wiedza może kiedyś się przydać.
December 20, 2017
Some really good ideas. Some of them I have already used but some new ones in there.
September 3, 2018
Pretty basic recommendations, more like a blog post than something I should have paid 9.99 on amazon for.
November 25, 2018
Suitable for kids no older than 5 maybe 6? Some cons were useful but I realised I'm already using a lot of them on my kid hahaha...
October 24, 2019
Some good insight for traveling with a child. Lots of songs!
April 21, 2020
Some of the tips are common sense
But some are quite interesting and worth a try. I wish there were more cons that are just for fun.
But some are quite interesting and worth a try. I wish there were more cons that are just for fun.
May 12, 2013
This lighthearted little book was well written and had very good practical suggestions about ways to handle multiple kid issues. Subtitle is Simple Scams for Mealtime, Bedtime, Bathtime--Anytime. It is a very easy to read parenting book especially good for parents of kids maybe 2-7. I hope the authors do write the two proposed books How to Con your Tween and How to Con your Teen. Despite the "con" word in the title, the book gives good-hearted not particularly devious suggestions. I loved the songs and games they suggested to make situations more palatable for kids. I am a child and adolescent psychologist and can see this helping lots of parents who don't feel like reading a more technical or philosophical parenting book. They could just open it up to the problem they are tackling and get some good ideas.
April 21, 2014
Meh!
First off, the title, while marketable, is horrendous, "con" is not an affirming or positive adjective for navigating life skills with your kid.
This is clearly a wonderful gift opportunity (we got it as a gift!) since it is kind of cheeky, but I think for most folks, unless you really had absent/distant parents growing up, you likely would not need such a basic playbook.
The whole theme of buying your way out of binds bothered me (especially since money is not flowing freely in my life!), and it was always in the short-term "cons" playlist. Some of the "long cons" were at least better in providing a foundation to avoid behaviors that precipitated the need for future cons, but really?
Unless you get this a "gift" from me, I'd save your money.
First off, the title, while marketable, is horrendous, "con" is not an affirming or positive adjective for navigating life skills with your kid.
This is clearly a wonderful gift opportunity (we got it as a gift!) since it is kind of cheeky, but I think for most folks, unless you really had absent/distant parents growing up, you likely would not need such a basic playbook.
The whole theme of buying your way out of binds bothered me (especially since money is not flowing freely in my life!), and it was always in the short-term "cons" playlist. Some of the "long cons" were at least better in providing a foundation to avoid behaviors that precipitated the need for future cons, but really?
Unless you get this a "gift" from me, I'd save your money.
April 5, 2013
Muy ameno, divertido y útil. Contiene tips de juegos y canciones para motivar a los pequeños a hacer cosas necesarias como alimentarse bien, vestirse, ayudar en la casa, etc. Está muy orientado a niños pequeños, pero algunos trucos todavía funcionan con los grandecitos. Todo se reduce a entender que para un niño pequeño la vida es un juego, y que si logras que vea las tareas cotidianas como un juego, lograrás que las haga con gusto. Ya sea que te cueste trabajo el concepto o que sea un padre/madre que no tienen mucha imaginación, este libro te será muy, muy útil ;). Aunque muchos trucos ya los uso, y otros ya no los necesito, sí encontré buenas ideas.
January 7, 2015
LOVED this book. I got it from the library (like 99% of the books I read) but I want to own it, so that I can reference it over and over.
The title is a bit of a misnomer. It is basically common sense advice to get your child to cooperate with family life. As a first time mom, I found it very helpful just to read what other parents struggle with and how they deal with common situations.
Is it sexist for me to say that I found it odd this was authored by two men?
The title is a bit of a misnomer. It is basically common sense advice to get your child to cooperate with family life. As a first time mom, I found it very helpful just to read what other parents struggle with and how they deal with common situations.
Is it sexist for me to say that I found it odd this was authored by two men?
May 31, 2009
Very smart, funny and well-organized book of tricks on how to get your kids to do things they don't want to do (brush teeth, eat, sleep, etc.). It's an interesting read, but since you will not be able to remember all the cons, use this as a reference instead anytime you hit a brick wall with your kids. Or anticipate doing so.
February 29, 2012
Great book that I received from Quirk Books for review. Great for new parents and old who are trying to find out how best to maintain their sanity while also keeping their child happy. Reading through this made me reflect on some of the cons that I know my parents have used on me and that my sister-in-law uses on her two daughters. Very good for parents and to-be parents.
March 16, 2013
A great book with simple ways to deal with issues that pop up with your young children. With minimal yelling. The title is misleading, as you are not conning your kids. You are simply using other ways to persuade them to do what you want/need them to do. A MUST for the new parent.
December 18, 2008
This is one of my Christmas gifts from my sister last year.
What can I say, it's been a valuable resource, I grin.
What can I say, it's been a valuable resource, I grin.
November 28, 2011
Good. I will probably refer back when I run into a problem with my daughter
April 21, 2012
A lot of cute ideas and songs for various parenting situations. Wish I had this when my girls were a little younger. Still, it gives advice for when original "cons" no longer work.
November 21, 2012
Great for toddlers and preschoolers, but unfortunately my kid's still too young. I'll come back to this again.
December 19, 2014
Good for a laugh or new tricks to try when you are frustrated and out of ideas.
May 1, 2014
not bad, not good, doesn't really apply to our luxmi because she is such a unique and quirky kid! funny moments, though.
April 6, 2017
I checked this out to see if it had any ideas on how to get my kids to act better! I found some things to be quite comical!! I highly enjoyed this!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews