Raising Freakishly Well-Behaved Kids: 20 Principles for Becoming the Parent Your Child Needs

by Jodi Ann Mullen

When a loving and respectful parent-child relationship is the foundation for parenting and discipline the result is well-behaved, thoughtful, and socially conscious children.

This book focuses on what parents can do, and more importantly how they can be with their children in order to create an atmosphere where children choose pro-social behaviors. The behaviors are not created from a place of fear or even traditional discipline, but from 20 simple principles parents can implement in a variety of circumstances from infancy to young adulthood. Following these principles parents can positively impact the behavior of their children, enhance the parent-child relationship, increase their parenting-esteem, and promote lifelong relational skills in their children. The principles come from the perspectives of children, and have an inherent simplicity that is focused on the parent-child relationship. Following these child-centered principles fosters parent-child relationships based in love and respect.

Genres: Parenting, Personal Development, Audiobook

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2018

Reviews

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this parenting book. It has a lot of great suggestions and ideas in it and it leaves me wanting to be the best parent possible. She really focused on being the parent and knowing when you need to set rules and stick to them in order to keep your child safe, but also on respecting your child and understanding that they are a person and their thoughts and opinions matter in their upbringing as well. It really concentrates on strengthening the bond between you and your child while still remaining the parent. I liked how instead of telling you facts of what is right and wrong, it was more focused around the point of views of the many children she has counseled, raised or just interacted with throughout life.

[Emily Jean Blatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little hesitant with the title on this one because I don't want kids to feel like they have to be incredibly well behaved all the time, I mean hello! We're not robots, we're human beings with a full range of emotions, but after reading I would highly recommend. The principles are simple to understand and easy to apply and many come from the perspective of kids themselves.

[Sara Goff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising Freakishly Well Behaved Kids is a sure-fire way to enhance your parenting skills, tactics and fun. Dr. Mullen is knowledgeable and has years of experience working (and playing through play therapy) with children of all ages, but she writes to parents in her book as a parent. This is a book full of easy-to-use parenting ideas and Ah, moments. It is not a study or lecture. I looked forward to reading a segment each night before bed, reflecting on my own day as a parent. Most importantly, it does not induce panic, but rather imparts hope for the best possible relationship you could have with your children. A must read!

[Matthew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the principles-based approach as well as explaining what children need from the perspective of children. The book embodies the principles within which help the reader as a parent can help their children. For example, in the book the author shares personal stories and stories of children to help the reader empathize with children and empathy is principle 19.

Seeking feedback on your parenting from your children is also included which I appreciated.

I think product managers and empathetic leaders will generally enjoy this book.

[John Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic - probably some of the best advice for parents. I can't say I have as many problems with my kids with this book than I do with my own problems being patient, but nonetheless. The only downside is how I listened to this instead of reading it - the recording is fairly terrible with sirens and other noises in the background, BUT... it didn't keep me from listening to the wise words of a professional.
Very good.

[Staci Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and short. Great list and examples for each point. The ones that I feel I do great- giving choices, talking to my child, reading books, showing affection, saying no, and letting my child “try”... things I want to be better at- playing together (I’m not into cars or legos so this is tough for me), providing consistency, and asking for feedback. Great reminder from a child therapist about what is going on in their minds versus what we think they are thinking.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the title capture your attention, then know that this is a book about supporting your whole child based on children’s needs with real life examples. If their needs are met, they’ll be self-regulated! I loved how it was organized and thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook. If your public library has Hoopla, I found it there.

[Arielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and simple. I will probably re-read/re-listen to it again. There 20 principles that children want parents to implement or encourage. I liked the fresh perspective from a child play therapist. The quotes and inspirational anecdotes were just perfect.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. She shares a lot of real life examples and practical tips for understanding children. I definitely plan to read again.

The audiobook could use some editing (noisy parts at the beginning of some chapters).

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful ideas to be a better parent. Ideas for improved relationships and communication with children. Ideas do not infringe on your own personal views and morals. It is a great book suitable for parents in all stages of parenthood.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unique in that it is a parenting book from principles learned from children. Some are obvious and others are new and make you say, “why hadn’t I thought of that before?” We will definitely be applying many of these principles raising our son.

[Cindy Konopelski · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first chapter, there is a list of 20 rules given by children. You can just read that list and get something out of this book. The subsequent chapters just add examples and a deeper understanding of each of these rules.

The audio book is read by the author.

[Lisa Wiebe]

Easily digestible summary of various parenting aspects, pretty good. Although the title doesn't seem appropriate... It seems like it's less about kids being well behaved and more about kids being well. The behavior is I suppose a side effect of loved and discipled kids.

[Ashlee Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Gave me some great new strategies for my 2 year old.

[Andrea Hein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this. Should listen to this every so months. The examples and her own experiences. Reasonable and understanding.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quotes leading to stories about understanding children when parenting. Real gem.

[Wintermote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not from a faith perspective, but from a certified therapist and parent. Excellent suggestions. It’s worth revisiting again.

[Justdom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and practical

[Ruben Cools · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, understandable and practical. No 5 stars because it is informative and helpful but not excitingly written.

[Jennica Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the whole thing- great points- it boils down to how to build trust with your kids 😊

[Lauren King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I appreciate the motivational interviewing style the author used encouraging the reader to make action plans for goals in improving their parenting.

[Abby Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good insight. Nothing mind blowing that I haven’t heard before.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening! 💡

[Danielle Iscan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful! Great book

[Irela Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book needs an editor, the grammatical errors I encountered cheapened the text for me…BUT the lessons are concise and very helpful.

[Neoday☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨