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Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World
Raising positive, drug-free kids in a negative world is not easy, but in the long run it's easier than raising negative ones. Now, the bestselling motivational author reveals his simple prescription for success with children, step by positive step. Drawing on the most comprehensive measurable results ever made available to an author – his "I CAN" course, taught in more than five thousand schools with more than three million participants – and his own successes and failures as a parent, Zig Ziglar offers sensible guidelines on: And much more, in a book that is both refreshingly old-fashioned and startlingly new. Previous edition: 0-34541-022-x
256 pages, Paperback
Published October 6, 2002
94 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Zig Ziglar
397 books1,371 followersZig Ziglar was a motivational teacher and trainer who traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, he had international appeal that transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar had a unique delivery style and powerful messages that earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on bestseller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He was a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lived in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 10, 2012
So here's the deal... I sometimes read books with dual personalities on my part.
Teacher me loved this book and would highly recommend it to everyone. It has great insight in how to help students develop healthier attitudes. (Interesting since the book actually talks about how raising positive kids isn't the school's job, it should happen in the home. So I'm intrigued that I connected more with this book at the educator level.)
Parent me liked the book but it pulled out feelings I didn't like so much. (This is why I didn't read any books while pregnant.) Parenting books, for some reason, make me feel inadequate and like I'm doing everything wrong (even when I am doing exactly what it says I should be doing.) They make me feel anxious about the future instead of excited. (What if I mess up? i.e.)
So great book. REALLY great ideas. Zig is really inspirational and down to earth. Made me lose a little sleep at night. (The book didn't make me, my own brain did. The book just facilitated it.)
Teacher me loved this book and would highly recommend it to everyone. It has great insight in how to help students develop healthier attitudes. (Interesting since the book actually talks about how raising positive kids isn't the school's job, it should happen in the home. So I'm intrigued that I connected more with this book at the educator level.)
Parent me liked the book but it pulled out feelings I didn't like so much. (This is why I didn't read any books while pregnant.) Parenting books, for some reason, make me feel inadequate and like I'm doing everything wrong (even when I am doing exactly what it says I should be doing.) They make me feel anxious about the future instead of excited. (What if I mess up? i.e.)
So great book. REALLY great ideas. Zig is really inspirational and down to earth. Made me lose a little sleep at night. (The book didn't make me, my own brain did. The book just facilitated it.)
September 16, 2018
A good book for parents, i would suggest it could be a ready racknor.
# To raise positive kids we’ve got to use many essential ingredients – Love, Discipline, Forgiveness and many other qualities all wrapped in any abundance of care and commitment for our children’s eventually well-being.
# Attitude building is highly important and the author suggests the three gems for building attitude: Faith, Hope & Love: Faith: Faithfulness is an attitude; It speaks of the qualities of trust, reliability and loyalty. Faith is the unifying principle of life, its gives life meaning and definition and direction. Faith is the attitude of man that results in his ability to believe in the future and to work towards tomorrow. Faith is the first step and in s unifying principle that gives us a sense of confidence. Faith is your response to Gods ability. Hope: Hopefulness is a attitude; expectations, confidence, inspiration and enthusiasm. Hope is the fruit of faith. Hope with believability is one of the greatest gift you can give your child. Hope through spiritual relationship with god, produces an attitude of enthusiasm. Faith opens the door to inspiration and hope powers the forward trust of aspiration. Love: Love describes the most lasting, most precious and valuable spiritual attitude that bears the slid gold fruit of commitment, sacrifice and honesty.
# The way you think is the way your perform
# When we positive input, we have positive output and when we have negative input, we have negative output
# Those who can make you believe absurdities can make your commit atrocities
# Great music can lift a person to heights of accomplishment and inspire marvellous contribution to society
# Honesty is a marketable commodity
# We fail our children if we say Don’t do as I do, but do as I say
# When you find something good tell your child specifically what you found that you like. Applaud your child.
# Applause is the best motivator, we’ve found to make children feel good about performing and about themselves. Motivation is something you do on a regular basis
# To raise your children as positive winners, you need to frequently assure them that they are winners. Tips for positiveness:
1. Make mealtime, when humanly possible the most casual, relaxing experience of the day
2. Limit your child intake of junk food
3. Provide a healthy breakfast
4. Use common sense principles
5. Be patient
6. Be a good example
7. Encourage healthy snacking
8. Parents must forgo the temptation to constantly repeat to their children what they accomplished when they were in school
9. We need to teach our children and remind them often that nobody can make them feel inferior without their permission and they need to be taught not to give that permission to any one
10. Since your personality is judged by the way others perceive you, the way you teach your child to communicate and come across is extremely important for every phase of his life
11. Select your children jobs or choose the house coarse that have definite starting and stopping points
12. Encourage your children to carefully choose their friends
13. Encourage your child’s character
14. Learning how to read is most important
15. To build your child’s self-image, teach him manners
16. Emphasize the development of a craters, imagination, teach your child to “see”
17. Develop a healthy self-image and to establish a positive loving environment
18. Help your child develop pride in being an important part of something worthy and noble that is bigger than any one individual
19. Build your self image by starting the day looking yourself in the eyes and making the commitment to do and be your best that day.
20. If your child has a physical problem that contribute to a negative self-image, explore your options.
Successful parents raising positive kids need to see, their kid as finished, competent, positive adults
# To raise positive kids we’ve got to use many essential ingredients – Love, Discipline, Forgiveness and many other qualities all wrapped in any abundance of care and commitment for our children’s eventually well-being.
# Attitude building is highly important and the author suggests the three gems for building attitude: Faith, Hope & Love: Faith: Faithfulness is an attitude; It speaks of the qualities of trust, reliability and loyalty. Faith is the unifying principle of life, its gives life meaning and definition and direction. Faith is the attitude of man that results in his ability to believe in the future and to work towards tomorrow. Faith is the first step and in s unifying principle that gives us a sense of confidence. Faith is your response to Gods ability. Hope: Hopefulness is a attitude; expectations, confidence, inspiration and enthusiasm. Hope is the fruit of faith. Hope with believability is one of the greatest gift you can give your child. Hope through spiritual relationship with god, produces an attitude of enthusiasm. Faith opens the door to inspiration and hope powers the forward trust of aspiration. Love: Love describes the most lasting, most precious and valuable spiritual attitude that bears the slid gold fruit of commitment, sacrifice and honesty.
# The way you think is the way your perform
# When we positive input, we have positive output and when we have negative input, we have negative output
# Those who can make you believe absurdities can make your commit atrocities
# Great music can lift a person to heights of accomplishment and inspire marvellous contribution to society
# Honesty is a marketable commodity
# We fail our children if we say Don’t do as I do, but do as I say
# When you find something good tell your child specifically what you found that you like. Applaud your child.
# Applause is the best motivator, we’ve found to make children feel good about performing and about themselves. Motivation is something you do on a regular basis
# To raise your children as positive winners, you need to frequently assure them that they are winners. Tips for positiveness:
1. Make mealtime, when humanly possible the most casual, relaxing experience of the day
2. Limit your child intake of junk food
3. Provide a healthy breakfast
4. Use common sense principles
5. Be patient
6. Be a good example
7. Encourage healthy snacking
8. Parents must forgo the temptation to constantly repeat to their children what they accomplished when they were in school
9. We need to teach our children and remind them often that nobody can make them feel inferior without their permission and they need to be taught not to give that permission to any one
10. Since your personality is judged by the way others perceive you, the way you teach your child to communicate and come across is extremely important for every phase of his life
11. Select your children jobs or choose the house coarse that have definite starting and stopping points
12. Encourage your children to carefully choose their friends
13. Encourage your child’s character
14. Learning how to read is most important
15. To build your child’s self-image, teach him manners
16. Emphasize the development of a craters, imagination, teach your child to “see”
17. Develop a healthy self-image and to establish a positive loving environment
18. Help your child develop pride in being an important part of something worthy and noble that is bigger than any one individual
19. Build your self image by starting the day looking yourself in the eyes and making the commitment to do and be your best that day.
20. If your child has a physical problem that contribute to a negative self-image, explore your options.
Successful parents raising positive kids need to see, their kid as finished, competent, positive adults
April 7, 2022
Mi-a plăcut.
→Adesea vedem rezultatele oamenilor care au muncit,dar nu și munca lor.
Copii sunt o lucrare în mâinile părinților.
Educația unui copil,este reușita unui părinte.
Atâtea idei le-am luat din aceasta carte,care pot fi aplicate nu doar pentru ați crește copii,dar pentru a te crește și pe tine însuți.
De ce 4 stele?
Fiindcă au fost idei care deja îmi erau cunoscute, înainte de a citi cartea.
→Adesea vedem rezultatele oamenilor care au muncit,dar nu și munca lor.
Copii sunt o lucrare în mâinile părinților.
Educația unui copil,este reușita unui părinte.
Atâtea idei le-am luat din aceasta carte,care pot fi aplicate nu doar pentru ați crește copii,dar pentru a te crește și pe tine însuți.
De ce 4 stele?
Fiindcă au fost idei care deja îmi erau cunoscute, înainte de a citi cartea.
May 30, 2023
Only reason I didn't rate this preachy, staid, and overly simplified book a 1-star, was that the principles and values he discussed were actually pretty spot on - that is in the beginning of the book.
Basically, his message is women should stay at home, more church/bible, less other thought, TV bad and all will be great.
His values based discussions are valuable, his version of the only true-North values make it seem very preachy.
It was better than is trashy autobiography I read, but still pretty stinky.
Basically, his message is women should stay at home, more church/bible, less other thought, TV bad and all will be great.
His values based discussions are valuable, his version of the only true-North values make it seem very preachy.
It was better than is trashy autobiography I read, but still pretty stinky.
September 21, 2007
"amazing" b/c i'm in it. i forget this fact for years at a time. i've only read the part about me, and i remember when it first came out ('82?) that i was really mad that the story abt me was not entirely accurate. (he sent us the story to preview/correct before publication, but we never got around to fixing it and sending it back.) anyway, he was a nice guy. i only met him 3-5 times, but i got to call him "Uncle Zig" which i was happy about. i collected fake Uncles.
March 17, 2011
nothing new in this. It was entertaining and a good reminder of how I should be as a parent. but there was nothing life changing in her for me.
Like, speak kind to our kids, be affectionate in front of them, love your spouse, etc etc. Nothing new, but all true and good counsel.
Like, speak kind to our kids, be affectionate in front of them, love your spouse, etc etc. Nothing new, but all true and good counsel.
January 13, 2014
The book started out good, but then it started to feel outdated and preachy. I couldn't get on board with some of the ideas, though there were valuable things I can take away from it.
November 23, 2020
The Book is generic and most parents , I think will know the general approach to raising positive children . The Book only reinforces some of the things which are general knowledge , however reading them with his examples makes u take notice .
The Main Focus of the book is the parent , he strongly suggests that parents who are positive themselves can raise positive children and hence the focus of the parent should be to become a positive person .
As regards to raising children who do well in Life , he starts by saying that parents who are themselves self disciplined have a higher probability of raising positive and successful children .
He starts the book by identifying the list of traits or qualities which one finds in positive and successful people . He uses an example of asking this question to his participants in his seminars .
He lists about 30 such traits which people tend to identify in successful people they know .
About 15 - 18 of these are common to all his participants .
The Book is then an endeavor to convince parents that these traits are all acquired and not in born or dependent on the IQ . He advocates that the only people who have the ability to train children to acquire these traits are parents and no one else and uses the next chapters of the book to educate the parents on how to get these traits or attributes in their children .
The Most interesting thing about this book is a reproduction of an article which appeared in a readers digest of jan 1985 . The Article is titled
“ How to raise a superstar”
The magazine researched few super successful kids and summarized how they eventually ended up being superstars . The parents role was the most important factor in all these superstars .
I did enjoy this book as it gave me some good insights into the child phycology and better understanding of my 5 year old .
The Main Focus of the book is the parent , he strongly suggests that parents who are positive themselves can raise positive children and hence the focus of the parent should be to become a positive person .
As regards to raising children who do well in Life , he starts by saying that parents who are themselves self disciplined have a higher probability of raising positive and successful children .
He starts the book by identifying the list of traits or qualities which one finds in positive and successful people . He uses an example of asking this question to his participants in his seminars .
He lists about 30 such traits which people tend to identify in successful people they know .
About 15 - 18 of these are common to all his participants .
The Book is then an endeavor to convince parents that these traits are all acquired and not in born or dependent on the IQ . He advocates that the only people who have the ability to train children to acquire these traits are parents and no one else and uses the next chapters of the book to educate the parents on how to get these traits or attributes in their children .
The Most interesting thing about this book is a reproduction of an article which appeared in a readers digest of jan 1985 . The Article is titled
“ How to raise a superstar”
The magazine researched few super successful kids and summarized how they eventually ended up being superstars . The parents role was the most important factor in all these superstars .
I did enjoy this book as it gave me some good insights into the child phycology and better understanding of my 5 year old .
July 16, 2025
Raising Positive Kids In A Negative World was a useful book for 1985. Author Zig Ziglar gives readers who were thinking what was good for teaching in a new way. Author Zig Ziglar pulled up to show that there should be a way to change learning for students.
The book came when we had 1985. This book tells us to set of themes about how “learning” work to teachers.
It seems that has a lot of time to get going on this idea. Maybe a few teachers might get together to find about the “Negative World”. Something might get teachers making new ideas. Try it.
The book came when we had 1985. This book tells us to set of themes about how “learning” work to teachers.
It seems that has a lot of time to get going on this idea. Maybe a few teachers might get together to find about the “Negative World”. Something might get teachers making new ideas. Try it.
January 23, 2020
There is some good information in here, but there is also some dated information. I realise it was written a while ago, but I can see how some parts would be offensive to a modern audience. It does contain the usual motivational Ziglar and at times, given I have read other books of his, found that a little repetitive, although always a good reminder. An interesting read and I am sure any parent/caregiver would be able to find some key pieces to take away with them.
March 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! It was comprised of many “live” talks from Zig Ziglar, as well as commentary and thought-provoking thoughts from his son. It was incredible to hear the very-clear message that though our family may not be perfect, or “fit in” sometimes, we are doing the RIGHT thing! We can embrace our strength as parents in that truth!! His talks were based on biblical principles, psychological studies, and years of history & wisdom. I would recommend this to any parent!
February 4, 2020
How do kids spell LOVE?.... T.I.M.E. Kids need structure, and parents should not fear the word NO. Not everything needs to be explained to your children and always lean on encouraging words rather than focusing on their mistakes. Kids learn more by what parents do rather than what they actually say.
July 8, 2017
Some good insights. My library app recommended this book. As with all books of this genre, there are some things that are spot on and others that are mildly offensive they are so off. Overall a good read, and I'm glad I read it.
February 11, 2019
I really should have stopped reading when he talked about homosexuality in the same breath as incest, bestiality, suicide. Now I can’t remember why I continued. But passed half way point I increasingly find myself fast forwarding. I somehow can’t believe this was written in the 21st century.
November 7, 2019
This is a great book on parenting. Zig teaches how to raise healthy, confident, and respectful children with love and discipline, and guide them through a world full of dangers like drugs, sex and the negative influences of TV and internet.
May 19, 2020
It is so nice and inspiring. The author(s) talk in a very attractive way. But all the ideas can be summarized in an article.
Again, listening to 5 hours is useful because it affects your decision and attitude towards your children more than reading an article.
Again, listening to 5 hours is useful because it affects your decision and attitude towards your children more than reading an article.
January 6, 2022
Claro y sencillo. Nuestra si postura de manera honesta y consistente.
Por varios motivos no estoy del todo de acuerdo con él, pero eso ya es otro tema. El libro es en cierto modo lo que esperaba, y ver si visión me ayuda a consolidar la mía.
Por varios motivos no estoy del todo de acuerdo con él, pero eso ya es otro tema. El libro es en cierto modo lo que esperaba, y ver si visión me ayuda a consolidar la mía.
January 22, 2018
A lot of this book is still applicable today ... great book
January 10, 2021
Great applicable information
October 30, 2021
Keeping in mind when it was written, this is a great book on how to interact with your kids.
June 11, 2022
good principles to raise positive kids with intent. Good advice to get yourself out of the hamster wheel and see the bigger picture.
September 18, 2024
One of the most important books I've ever read
November 11, 2024
Should be mandatory that every Parent should read this! Really makes you think how you raise your child.
May 30, 2025
Amazing book. I recommend it!
September 24, 2015
So when you knock doors for a living you have experiences you can't get anywhere else. I spent four years doing this and I had some crazy and choice experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything. My last summer I was given a dog by someone. That dog rode all the from Michigan to Nauvou, Illinois and then to salt lake with us only to be put to sleep because it had the Parvo virus. I ended up spending $300 just to kill a free dog. That same summer another person who I knocked into gave me a book. She claimed she needed no alarm system because all she had were books. She then took me to here shed to show me her book collection. This book caught my eye. Mostly because of the authors name. So I picked it up. The lady told me I could keep it so I did. This was over two years ago and I just now read the book. It was amazing. Every parent should read it. Don't get me wrong it was written in the eighties so it has some radical ideas that you won't hear today. And I mean crazy ideas like don't let your kids date until they are 16 and teach them not to have sex until they are married. I know old Ziggy is crazy. But what a different world we would live in if everyone applied the things taught in this book. I know longer knock doors, but I apply what I learned there every day as I help people earn extra income from home in their spare time. I know network marketing is "taboo" and "of the devil" and "a pyramid scheme" but if that doesn't scare you off I'd love to see if I could help you better your financial situation.
Www.freetraining.teachmomhow.com
Www.freetraining.teachmomhow.com
May 22, 2015
Ştiam de Zig Ziglar că scrie cărţi motivaţionale, economice, cărţi sau subiecte la care se pricepe el mai bine, dar nicidecum nu ştiam că poate scri aşa de bine şi pe tema părinţilor, copiilor şi tot ce e legat de acest subiect. Plăcut surprinsă.
Cartea mi se pare destul de bună, cu sfaturi utile şi chiar practice.
Având 4 copii, eu cred că el, din propria lui experienţă, ştie ce zice şi e în stare să dea sfaturi şi la alţii.
Mi-a plăcut cartea şi neapărat trebuie s-o mai citesc odată.
Cărţile astea nu se citesc atât de uşor şi nici nu se însuşeşte informaţia din prima.
Iată aşa :)
Cartea mi se pare destul de bună, cu sfaturi utile şi chiar practice.
Având 4 copii, eu cred că el, din propria lui experienţă, ştie ce zice şi e în stare să dea sfaturi şi la alţii.
Mi-a plăcut cartea şi neapărat trebuie s-o mai citesc odată.
Cărţile astea nu se citesc atât de uşor şi nici nu se însuşeşte informaţia din prima.
Iată aşa :)
June 17, 2013
Although this book was published in the 80's one can find every chapter helpful in our quest for an improved and more enjoyable parenting career :). I thoroughly enjoyed "studying" this book, have applied several ideas suggested and am already seeing the positive results. I recommend that any parent read and study this book, applying many or few of the ideas written have been clearly intended for closer, more loving relationships between parents and children.
October 30, 2013
Zig does a great job of clearing up some of the grey surrounding child rearing. I listened to his book so it came along with his unique voice and made it easier to listen to. Zig's against pornography, dirty music and criticism and for appreciation, rules with relationships and affection for our kids. It was the kind of book that helps me be a better person by reminding me to do things that help my kids be better people.
August 10, 2015
eh... well to be honest I have enjoyed Ziglar's other books more. I have an 80's version, and some parts do seem dated. Plus I really get a sense that Zig can only envision one kind of family, maybe it's just a bit too preachy. Nonetheless it is not a waste of time by any means and there is plenty of sound advice in the familiar and easy to read voice.
Read
October 21, 2015Read this in the early '90s, probably 1992 as I preached a series based on the title of this book. Lots of solid practical advice from a great communicator who lived his Christian faith in the marketplace and has such an influence on parents, sales leaders, and anyone who wanted to live a more positive life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews