While I can see how some parents may perceive the proposed methods of this book harsh or extreme, I really lean toward one of the author’s fundamental points: teach the children hard lessons while the stakes are low. Children who do not learn self regulation and healthy boundaries become adults who end up struggling a lot more than is necessary because they can’t discern or are not motivated to make good choices.
I found this book to be encouraging and applicable in many ways, but will let my children’s need lead the way in what I utilize. Some children need less correcting and thus don’t require such strong methods while others are knuckleheads who insist on learning the hard way. For the latter, should I encounter that in my parenting journey, I think some of what this philosophy preaches can save my family a lot of headache and heartache and division between the parent-child dynamic. In my opinion, raising a child to become a self-sufficient adult that not only you, but the community, can be proud of, is no small feat in this world.
Mother of two, currently 8 and 3 years old, would recommend this book if the parent had some challenging circumstances, wasn’t faint of heart, or shared similar parenting styles with the author.