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The Pocket Parent

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It's instant relief for when your 2-year-old is on the floor of the toy store, pitching a fit. Or when brother and sister discover that they can't stand each other. Or when your son can't say no to video games.

The Pocket Parent is, literally, a pocket-size book of tried-and-true advice, common sense, parental wisdom, and sanity. Written by two professionals who've reared six children between them and made a career out of helping others with parenting issues, this handy book will be a lifesaver for every parent of a 2-to-5-year-old. It begins with an overall view of the Pocket Parent approach to discipline. Based on unconditional love but firm limits, and aimed at keeping the child's dignity and self-esteem intact, here are strategies that include "I" statements, modeling, family meetings, and "one word" requests. Once the ground rules are set, the guide moves to an A-to-Z compendium of common problems. Just look it up-Anger, Bad Words, Biting, Chores, Doctor Visits, Fears at Night, Lying, Separation Anxiety-and find the "Sanity Savers" list of suggestions, easy-to-follow bullets, anecdotes, and more.

For the bag, glove compartment, backpack, or shelf in the kitchen, it's there for you whenever you need it.

400 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

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About the author

Gail Reichlin

8 books1 follower

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Community Reviews

5 stars
47 (20%)
4 stars
77 (33%)
3 stars
80 (34%)
2 stars
18 (7%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Barb.
15 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2008
...well, I guess you're suppose to whip this baby out in the midst of a wicked arms flailing, legs flying tantrum....throw your hands up in the air and scream, "Wait, wait - time out!! I must read the amusing anecdote on page 15 before we can proceed!!"
I found this guide - I wouldn't call it a book - a little too Brady Bunch for my tastes. The guide is comprised of a lot of "stories with morals." The stories are a little too clean and the outcome's too predictable. The pages are filled with common sense solutions - nothing riveting or eye raising here. It's fine if you take it for what it's worth but, don't expect anything deep or meaningful - just a few quickie techniques to quell the flames in the heat of battle. Okay but not great.
Profile Image for HeavyReader.
2,246 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2014
I found this book at an overpriced thrift shop on half price day. Because Louise and Ed have just had a baby, I'm on the lookout for baby and kid related things I can send them.

Upon flipping through this book, I found the advice really good. Advice is based on communication between parents and children. The authors let the parents know they (the parents) are the ones in charge, but encourage parents to talk and listen to their kids.

I ended up reading the entire book before sending it off to Louise and Ed.

The book is humorous and informative. I enjoyed reading it, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a kid under the age of five. (Read it while your kid is an infant so you'll be prepared for what's to come.)
Profile Image for Lori.
94 reviews5 followers
January 1, 2012
I haven't read this book cover to cover, but it's more like a reference book. I think overall it has been helpful. Especially when I am at my wits end with a particular parenting scenario. I do think it is rather idealistic at times and super cheesed up, but it gives good ideas and if not an idea that will work directly, reading this helps lead to other ideas to try. Overall, it's been handy to have around. Would technically give it 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,198 reviews
March 24, 2012
An excellent resource, with great tips to implement immediately. It also has a very pro-parent slant, unlike many books these days -- realizing that we parents do make mistakes, and that guilt doesn't help. I don't often buy parenting books, but I will be purchasing this one.
Profile Image for Clare.
622 reviews9 followers
October 28, 2012
The book contains useful ideas & is well-organized to help you skip to the section that you need.
I read just the sections that apply to my kids, a son age 4 and triplets age 2. So I guess that means I had to read a whole bunch of sections...help me?!?!...haha
Profile Image for Molly.
57 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2008
Some really helpful tips for dealing with toddler and preschooler issues. It's a quick reference guide with great advice that you can pick and choose ideas from when you need them!
91 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2009
Good, quick-hit parenting advice for the preschool set. A lot of it is common sense, but still helpful when you find yourself at a loss.
Profile Image for Stacy Ling.
33 reviews
November 16, 2009
Loved the way this book was set up - by problem! Offers guidance/solutions for everything.
170 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2010
Where has this little book been hiding? It's crammed with thoughtful, sensible, useful & usable advice.
Profile Image for Sara.
11 reviews
January 27, 2011
Eh. Some good points and in an easy-to-look-up-stuff format, but nothing really eye opening.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews