Review: The Well-Behaved Child
- January 28th, 2010
- Posted in Life
- By admin
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A couple of months ago a friend of mine at church pulled me aside and asked me what we were doing about a certain behavior with one of our children. She asked me this because at a particular function she noticed how I was correcting our child. My attitude, approach, and solution made her stop me and ask me where I learned how to do that. She wanted to learn to do that too. With a note of frustration she flatly said, “I don’t know what to do!” I told her (drum roll please) she needed The Well-Behaved Child by John Rosemond.
What parent has not been there? Before having kids, I managed big projects for big companies. We adopted both of our kids and when my wife asked how many we should get I guess I thought we were ordering puppies. ”Ah, let’s get two and get it over with,” I said. ”It’s only kids, anyway, how hard can it be?” Oh how dumb and naive I was (and am)! Parenting is the toughest job in the world and you need the courage to do what my friend did and ask “how?”
When you have finally decided you don’t know what to do (which is everyone), then buy this book. Then give a copy to a friend. I am a Rosemond-ite now. Please understand we’re not there yet. Our kids are not sitting (every) meal calmly commenting to each other on what a nice day it is in their neatly starched trousers. BUT, having a plan of attack greatly reduces the stress and gives a little hope for tomorrow. Rosemond will help you develop a plan to correct specific behaviors. This book is an easy read. He’s funny. The principles are clear. And you will feel empowered and free to be the parent you need to be. Stop trying all the new-fangled, whiz-bang ideas and get Rosemond’s book. You won’t be disappointed.
What’s the top three behaviors you would like to change in your child(ren)?

Ummm…why didn’t you get this for ME for Christmas?
Thanks for the advise. We’ll have to look into getting his book!
Maybe I thought you were already doing a good job!