Guess what happens when kids don’t feel connected to their most important people in life? They waste their precious energy on gaining attention and approval from parents rather than on age-appropriate developmental tasks. And if they don’t get this affirmation from parents, they become preoccupied with getting it from peers (and the results might be ugly). It's based on the latest research on brain development and clinical experience with parents, rather than opinion.

This book snuggles into the bosom of attachment parenting and Alfie Kohn-style resistance to behaviorism without actually using those terms much. And I have to say I pretty much agree with Markham. I felt pretty guilty about the yelling, time outs, and other punishments I have used, and I can't say I am able to do this "calm yourself, calm your child" technique 100% of the time, but I am trying and it does help. At the very least, I don't feel nearly as stressed out as I normally do, so that is a big plus.Xe Sands Narration is utterly superb! She has a calming voice, whilst at the same time, enthusiastic. I will definitely look out for her in the future.

Refreshingly positive and respectful in its tone, Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings lovingly guides parents by using scripts and practical examples, essential tools for any parent with more than one child. Dr. Laura's compassionate approach is empowering for parents, and liberating for children. I saw immediate results with my 4 year old when I changed MY parenting to Dr. Markham's suggestions. I was glad to finally come across a book that focused on parents changing to work in unison with their children rather than forcing my child to adapt to my then, not so correct parenting. I got some very good tips to try - I’ve implemented some nice changes to my parenting style which my kids have responded to positively. Calm Parents, Happy Kids will transform your experience of parenting. Relying on a combination of up-to-the-minute brain science and the kind of practical wisdom so often missing from parenting books, Dr Laura tells you not only the ‘why’ of children’s behaviour but also ‘how’ to have calm parents and happy kids . Melissa Hood, Founder of The Parent Practice, the UK’s leading parent support company There are two main ways to help him discharge big emotions: tears and laughter. In a nutshell, we need to help a child play when he can and cry when he needs to.

But ultimately a lot of it seemed to just heap on the guilt for parenting in anyway other than being nice and gentle all the time. This book changed my relationship with my kids. It gave me a good insight that understanding kids instead of yelling at them changes them so much. My son is so much more cooperative since I started empathizing with him and connecting with him. Thank you Dr Laura. Dr. Laura Markham’s approach is as simple as it is effective. Her message: Fostering emotional connection with your child creates real and lasting change. When you have that vital connection, you don’t need to threaten, nag, plead, bribe--or ever punish. Toddlers don’t enjoy tantrums, their brains are not developed enough to maintain rational control when emotions are high (103)

Think about how you can become less controlling and more coaching parents? Write down three actions you can start doing today: one to coach your child emotionally, second – to teach how to behave, and third – to teach a life skill or mastery. There is also lots of info about anger and anxiety, games to play with your child, and “scripts” for different situations. Basically, LOVED this section! I've searched high and low for parenting guidance that is sensible, simple, effective and adaptable. That does not heap guilt upon me. That strikes a chord so it's easy to remember when I need it most. I have found it in Dr. Laura Markham. My relationship with my 4 year old has improved 1000 fold since trying your methods. The way you teach this simple message of love has made it revolutionary for me. Post category: Book Notes / Develop coaching mindset / Develop positive discipline skills / Socio-emotional skills / Understand children's behaviourTeaching your children healthy emotional self-management and conflict resolution skills—so that they can work things out with each other, get their own needs met and respect the needs of others. Children don’t know how to express their big emotions, so they act them out. We often view this as bad behavior, but really they need help processing their complicated feelings (117) In the book, Laura gives many age-appropriate strategies on how you can help your child develop mastery, so definitely grab the book! Action steps for you: for everyone in the mix—including angry and worried parents. And the ideas aren't just practical and usable—many of them are downright Obviously, it’s much harder to do when you have more than two children, but nothing is impossible. The whole point is to regularly have this quality one-to-one time with each of your children. Coaching, not controlling

Understand how emotions work. That’s why every parent needs to go through an emotional intelligence crash course. In a nutshell, when we are in a fight-or-flight mode, our child (or anyone else) looks like an enemy to us. Once we take our emotions under control (e.g. with a few deep breaths), we react better and take better decisions. I'm convinced that if every parent took the time to read her books, the world would be transformed. Seriously. I'm not exaggerating, her peaceful parentingLet your child decide what you’ll be doing during this special time (but leave an opportunity for your suggestions as well),