Parenting has its challenges throughout all stages of child development. Author Destini Ann Davis has some practical advice and strategies for caretakers, whether parents or grandparents.
She appropriately begins by asking the reader to think about herself/ himself as far as: what parenting means to each, experiences with parenting now and as a child, values each holds dear, and ideas such as what each needs to thrive and survive emotionally and mentally.
By about the middle of the book, the author begins with strategies for working with one’s children. She talks about connection, which is the foundation for her parenting style. She gives examples from her own life of ways to better connect with your child. She talks of connection through play, compassion, and just special time with each child. She talks about approaching your child’s world with curiosity. Instead of immediately reacting to words which are said, ask questions to better understand. She discusses collaboration, defining roles and working together with children. She has a list of questions parents might use as they seek to establish what is important to each. Core values are established. The author is realistic in that all of this is approached a little differently depending on the age of the child. She emphasizes that a parent has the role of the Chief Safety Officer and that safety will not be compromised. The parent is also the Chief Guidance officer and gives examples of better ways to guide without being authoritarian.
The later part of the book talks about communication strategies such as active listening, and gives the parent some tools to use such as redirecting, creating routines & rituals, making repairs when you “ mess up”, learning to empathize, etc.
In general I felt this book had lots of good practical advice for parents with examples to aid in understanding. It was important to begin by focusing on the parent, but I felt this part could have been shortened. Just my feelings.
I thank Bookishfirst and Penguin Random for my copy of Ms. Davis’s very worthwhile book on parenting.
She appropriately begins by asking the reader to think about herself/ himself as far as: what parenting means to each, experiences with parenting now and as a child, values each holds dear, and ideas such as what each needs to thrive and survive emotionally and mentally.
By about the middle of the book, the author begins with strategies for working with one’s children. She talks about connection, which is the foundation for her parenting style. She gives examples from her own life of ways to better connect with your child. She talks of connection through play, compassion, and just special time with each child. She talks about approaching your child’s world with curiosity. Instead of immediately reacting to words which are said, ask questions to better understand. She discusses collaboration, defining roles and working together with children. She has a list of questions parents might use as they seek to establish what is important to each. Core values are established. The author is realistic in that all of this is approached a little differently depending on the age of the child. She emphasizes that a parent has the role of the Chief Safety Officer and that safety will not be compromised. The parent is also the Chief Guidance officer and gives examples of better ways to guide without being authoritarian.
The later part of the book talks about communication strategies such as active listening, and gives the parent some tools to use such as redirecting, creating routines & rituals, making repairs when you “ mess up”, learning to empathize, etc.
In general I felt this book had lots of good practical advice for parents with examples to aid in understanding. It was important to begin by focusing on the parent, but I felt this part could have been shortened. Just my feelings.
I thank Bookishfirst and Penguin Random for my copy of Ms. Davis’s very worthwhile book on parenting.