The Winning Family: Increasing Self-Esteem in Your Children and Yourself

by Louise Hart, Kristen Caven

"I have written for you the book I wish had been available to me twenty years ago and to my mother forty years ago, and to her mother before that." That's a very different way to begin a book about parents and children, but it reflects Louise Hart's deep conviction that each generation has a powerful effect on subsequent generations. To alter or lessen this effect, parents must decide what outcomes they want and actually change what they can to bring that about. Self-esteem is a great gift that every parent can give to or develop with their children. This comprehensive and supportive book offers a new, hopeful model for families, one characterized by joy and satisfaction. Reviews:"Uniquely inspiring, accessible, and non-guilt-provoking!"-Mothering Magazine"I like this book!"- Dr. Berry Brazelton, Pediatrician and Author of Touchpoints"A wealth of forthright information"-Parenting Magazine"Life is a labor pain. This book can help you be a successful midwife to self-creation."-Bernie Siegel, author of Love, Medicine, and Miracles"The Winning Family is a book you will return to again and again for Hart's reassuring words, lighthearted confidence in the love of parents for their children, and down-to-earth ideas about making the parenting journey a path of self-discovery."-Julianne Idleman, Hand in Hand Parenting"This is 'must reading' for all caregivers of children. I read it cover-to-cover in one day."-Sandra Gellert, National Association for Family Day Care"As a parent educator for 28 years I have read every parenting book available. This is still the best book there is and I continue to use it as the textbook for my parenting class. It has changed so many lives! To this day, it is the number one book I recommend to families."-Nevin Valentine, Napa Valley College"A must for parents who want to have healthy children."-Dr. Patricai Palmer, clinical psychologist and author of Teen Esteem; The Mouse, the Monster, and Me; and Liking Myself"Practical and insightful. A super book!"-Dr. Christopher Green, pediatrician and author of Toddler Taming"At last there is a book that goes beyond parenting to focusing on the personal development of parents along with the development of their children."-Jeanne Gibbs, author of Tribes"Never has a book been so meaningful and timely! It has all the essentials: theory, practicality, application, and passion for kids. Self-esteem must start with the family, and The Winning Family needs to be in every home."-Dr. Michele Borba, author of nineteen books"The Winning Family is a winner!" -John Vasconcellos, Assemblyman, Sponsor of the California Self-esteem Task Force"This book covers in a very insightful way all of the major stumbling blocks which lead to major dysfunctions in nuclear families."-Constance Jones, Professor of Sociology, Mills College"As an elementary school guidance counselor, The Winning Family is the number one book I recommend."-Celeste, elementary school guidance counselor"I use this book all the time in counseling suicidal teenagers. I have several copies so I can use them at home with my own children. My copies are all marked up from constant use."-Dr. Don Burchfield"This book has become our second Bible."-Linda, mother and student"This is a great book. Easy to read and understand. It will change your life."-Karen, Amazon reviewer"Even with two small children under the age of 3, I read this book in only a few days. I couldn't put it down, and when I did I couldn't wait to pick it up again!"-Lisa, mother"My husband and I were on our way to separating. But since reading this book we have worked through so many of our problems. It has saved my daughters from growing up with divorced parents."-Tiffany, mother"I am a recovering alcoholic and this book has helped me very much. My self-esteem has really gone up, and so have my boys. We are able to love each other like never before. I keep this book very close and study it daily along with the Big Book of A.A. So with my Higher Power and these powerful books I'm able to face life on life's terms."-Anonymous

Genres: Parenting, Self Help, Psychology

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Louise Hart has an Ed.D. in the prevention-based field of Community Psychology. A thought leader in positive parenting, she has spoken at over 400 conferences, hospitals, schools, communities and army installations across America and abroad.

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just re read this book for the sixth or seventh time. Every time I find new things to discover, to learn. I realize that many of my parenting skills have been gleaned from this book, such as the time out together to work out a problem between two kids, and the one finger touch. I recommend this book to everyone. It is not just for families.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, dry reading but good advice. Nothining earth-shattering but good reminders on how to take care of yourself and to take care of your children so everyone has a healthy self-esteem. The book is older and I wonder what she would say about all the "checked out" people on their devices!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read this book I find another jewel. It is truly amazing! I can also see ideas that I am using, like the idea of having two kids who are squabbling sit on the stairs until they work it out. I used that on my twin girls!

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for parenting the missing pieces within the self

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

More and more research is being done to understand generational dynamics, especially the trauma that can be shared both outwardly and inwardly from one generation to the next. And while trauma can be expressed through patterns that occur over time, the opportunity exists to shift those paradigms to move forward in a more positive direction. This nonfiction text connects families to the very real challenges of learning to parent without any sort of guidebook. In the absence of overt guidance, new parents tend to rely upon the processes with which they were raised, which may or may not always be the best way to support positive child development. When one carefully examines the background from which one hails, however, there is the opportunity to make positive changes to not only support the next generation, but to heal the damage that may have been done to the caregivers themselves. Through research, personal anecdotes, and activity suggestions, this book normalizes the fact that nearly everyone has experienced trauma in some way from their childhood. While some people have deeper wounds than others, the fact is that without stepping back and objectively observing the experiences one has had in life, it is impossible to heal and move forward. Written in an accessible way and including details and messages pertinent to nearly every caregiver, this book is one that is important to read whether one is considering starting a family or whether they already have one. It is never too late to start these strategies, but the earlier one can implement them, the better. Readers can engage with this book in pieces or all together, and each element will help to support the positive rearing of children in a wholesome and encouraging family environment. This is an excellent addition to nonfiction parenting collections.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am beyond fortunate in my life to have loving, supportive parents & no traumatic events that negatively shaped my youth. However, I understand everyone has room for improvement & went into this book wanting to improve my relationships with my kids (entering that dangerous pre-teen/teenager era), as well as finding ways to improve the relationship my spouse has with our kids. It seemed like in each section I found a nugget I wanted to highlight. The only negative (which isn't even a negative) is that there was SO much good info, it's hard to retain it, so I will likely re-read several times. Sometimes family/relationship books seem a bit high-brow, which is not helpful, but I found this one easily relatable. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the opportunity, as I likely wouldn't have read this book otherwise.

[Deborah Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificently comprehensive, yet practical guide for positive parenting. Dr. Hart not only talks and writes, she lives and walks the walk. The book has been updated to address the unique challenges of the newest generation and their unique challenges. This is a “must-read” for parents, teachers, counselors, social workers—Anyone who is responsible for the care and upbringing of children.