Putting Family First: Successful Strategies for Reclaiming Family Life in a Hurry-Up World

by William J. Doherty, Barbara Z. Carlson

Outlines realistic ways in which to regain family connections and enable more meaningful home relationships, presenting tips for time-crunched parents on such topics as family meals, outings, conflicts, and making time for a marriage. Original. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: Parenting

188 pages, Paperback

First published August 2, 2002

Reviews

[Douglas Lord · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cofounders of Family Life First, Doherty and Carlson believe that “family relationships are the irreplaceable core of a full human life” and that soccer practice, violin lessons, and other extracurricular activities serve to overwhelm children and distance them from their loved ones. Reclaiming the family meal, where parents establish and lead rituals (e.g., discussion, prayer) instead of just eating as quickly as possible, allows everyone to reconnect. This, in turn, eases further reclaiming, e.g., vacations and bedtimes. Although the authors’ passion sometimes smacks of zeal, there is much practical advice here for parents, including single parents and stepfamilies. John Rosemond’s John Rosemond's New Parent Power! has a similar message, while Jim Taylor’s Positive Pushing: How to Raise a Successful and Happy Child presents an intense counterpoint. With its warm, reassuring tone and lots of examples from real families, Doherty and Carlson’s book is recommended.

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[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of the same principles as The Intentional Family which I found more useful. No need to read them both.

[Marilyn]

I picked up this book at the library because it was by the same author as Taking Back your Marriage. I don't like this book as much as taking back your marriage because it seems to take 2 things for granted that I disagree with. They assume mother will work and kids will go to school. I don't expect to finish the book.

[Loralie Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book. it really solidified my ideas about slowing things down and not signing my kids up for too many activities. it really supports adn gives ideas around the church's family night program. it was nice to have professionals saying the things i was thinking.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the shifting values in modern culture from families to children, from communities to individuals. There are some interesting stories and innovative ideas for making your family and marriage a priority in life.

[Onica]

Dr. William J. Doherty was a guest speaker at BYU. I would like to read a book by him... I liked his ideas about the importance of family time and meals are positive factors to building stronger families.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a library book but I'd love to own a copy. Great strategies for increasing family time and developing routines and traditions that support unrushed family time.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of ideas and solutions in this book, and it stresses that what works for one family may not for the other.

[Reading For Sanity · Rating 5 out of 5]

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