Parenting

August 18, 2016

Percy’s Imprefectly Perfect Family

Dominique Book Review, Parenting and Kids kids book, Parenting

Talking about Divorce is never an easy topic with kids. In Percy’s Imperfectly Prefect Family by Renee C Bauer kids get to understand this complex topic through the story Renee tells about Percy the penguin who found it hard to understand the change in his family’s dynamics when his parents decided to get divorce.

The little penguin was feeling very confused when he realized that his life was going to change. His mom and dad will be living separately and he had to shuttle between two households.

He was not his usual perky self as he was riddled with question about having to adjust to the changes between his parents.

Percy was lucky to have his teacher Mrs Stout to explain to him about the changes in family dynamics which he will be facing. With her help he manage to understand the true meaning of family- people who are there who really care and support you.

It is the people not the place that makes a home. It is defined by the love one person has for another.

Percy learned that change doesn’t mean that things will be getting worst for him. On the contrary he still could have his current lifestyle with some minor changes. Both his parents still love him and that won’t change a bit.

My Thoughts

Dealing with a topic like Divorce is not something which a kid can easily understand. It takes a lot of patience and plenty of explanation.

One has to handle the separation delicately to prevent the kids from suffering from trauma and or depression. The kid has to know that it is not their fault that his parents are getting divorced and things will work out somehow.

Bauer approaches this topic with much simplicity that makes it easy even for a 6 year old to understand. Through a mixture of words and graphics she explains how the dynamics within a family can remain the same even though change has to occur.

I’m certainly recommending this book to families with kids who are undergoing divorce.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine. This post has affiliate links.

March 23, 2016

1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Kids age 2-12

Dominique Book Review, Parenting and Kids Effective Discipline, Parenting

1-2-3 Magic Book cover

The book 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas W. Phelan is a book written to give parents a better insight into why their kids are behaving in a certain way.

The books is broken into three parts

Building a Solid Foundation for Parenting
Controlling Obnoxious behavior
Promoting positive behavior

As a parent one must be warm and friendly and at the same time demanding and firm. If you do have these qualities it will be easier to make your child’s childhood fun while at the same time equip them with the skills they need to lead a good life.

There are 3 main jobs that a parent has to carry out.

Controlling Obnoxious behavior
Encourage good behavior
Strengthening your relationship with your children.

The use of counting 1-2-3 and giving time out/ time ins for tantrums is advocated in this book and there are many case studies that were use that are easy for parents to relate to.

My thoughts

It is not easy bringing up a kid. Each child has a different personality and what methods which may have worked with one child, may not work with the other.

Too much talking and emotions can be detrimental when you deal with your child. You have to be consistent, decisive and calm when you discipline your child for it to be effective.

Certain methods that were advocated may work with extremely young kids but as the kid grows older, I personally have experience limited success with the counting method.

I’ve tried time out and it doesn’t work with any of my kids. Time in works better for them and getting them to do chores which they would not normally do willingly works best for them.

I guess that such a method needs to be adapted as a child grows up and maybe a more comprehensive approach needs to be used to deal with the change.

The child has to know that the particular behavior is not acceptable and accept the consequences that are associated with exhibiting the bad behavior.

Modeling the appropriate behavior and staying calm when the kids act up have helped my children understand how they should behave in given situations.

If you are a parent of young kids I do recommend that you pick up this book for a read as it would help you understand more about how to cope with your children during their outbursts.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine. This post has affiliate links.