This book is the magic wand for ANY family. Very easy read and easy to utilize. I wish I had read this 5 years ago. I feel like have missed out on my kids for the last 5 years. Now I am catching up, and it is so much fun. This book gives you the tools to be a successful parent, and get to know your child SO much better.

I'm not opposed to allowing natural consequences to teach children when it is practical; however, this book seems to take this approach to the extreme (see other reviews for examples).

While the book is repleat with religious references, the approach seems to be based on Adlerian concepts rather than Christian. Natural consequences should not always be trusted to teach higher principles of empathy, justice, and mercy; values I want my children to embrace. Often, good people must invervene to protect the weak and capable people must look after the disadvantaged.

You will likely find a handful of good suggestions in this book but use with caution. For the detached, emotionally unhealthy parent, it could be a powder keg. Boundaries with Kids, in my view, is a more balanced approach.

While the authors have some good ideas, others are atrocious!

They advocate withholding food from kids until they get their chores done. Would they also advocate letting kids go out improperly clothed or withhold shelter? Sure, they can't have dessert, but no food at all? Step over, Joan Crawford.

They say if the kids aren't responsible enough to feed the pets they said they would take care of, then get rid of the pets. Animal shelters are full of pets that are the victims of such irresponsible behavior by parents. Of course the kids won't take care of the pets properly. They are kids. Animals are living, breathing, feeling creatures. They should not be pawns in teaching children how to be responsible. All too often these poor animals are mistreated and abused because of the resentment of parents or children.

Yes, children should be taught to be responsible, but how responsible is it to withhold food from your children or toss a dog out of the house because the kids won't take care of it properly.

This book is a MUST READ for any parent. After years of being the 'drill instructor' to no avail, this book has given me the tools and strategies to try a different approach - one that works!!!!

To the person that gave this book only 1 star????? Of course...EVERYTHING must be tempered with common sense...did you want the authors to teach you common sense, too? If so, look elsewhere.

This book comes highly recommended.

The general approach of using natural consequences to teach children responsibility is a good one, but must be tempered by common sense. As others here have noted, I found some of the applications of natural consequences taken to extremes that were both abusive and dangerous. Also the tone of this entire book is that of using manipulative and often mean-spirited tricks to control children without working to develop a deep understanding of the real "why" for doing things a particular way. The comparisons to dog training (Basic German Shepherd) are particularly appalling. Likewise, spanking has been shown to be ineffective as a disciplinary method, since the main thing that it teaches kids is that overpowering and hitting people is an acceptable way to solve conflicts. Although discipline must initially be about controlling children's behavior (so that they are safe), it should ultimately be much more about teaching them to internalize the "why" of societal rules, so that they can develop into empathetic, kind, thoughtful adults.

For a much more balanced view, try instead: "The Preschool Years" by Ellen Galinsky and Judy David