If you ever wondered why Dobson is shunned by every reputable medical organization in the country, this book will demonstrate why. A virtual primer for child abuse, this book is full of Dobson's personal invective against children who aren't compliant enough for him. Given the obvious relish he takes in hitting and humiliating those younger and weaker than him, it's clear that the man despises children and regards them as demonic heathens who need to be beat into submission using a belt and a Bible.

If you're one of those Dobson-type fundamentalists seeking to mimic a brutal Old Testament god, this is the book that will either turn your child into a cowering cringing doormat, or have them counting the days until they turn 18 and can reject you and everything you stand for.
But if you're a thoughtful, concerned parent seeking to cultivate and channel (not break) your child's independent spirit, this book is to be avoided. Try the Sears books ... or anything recommended by a reputable child development organization.

Once again, James Dobson's twisted beliefs in the unerring, absolute righteousness of adults and his narrow-minded views of children as "manipulative" come through in this book. This man's belief that children's crying should be ignored, and that children are wilfully & defiantly contesting a parent's will ALL the time, EVERY time, is disgusting.

Avoid this book - and author - at all costs. Far better resources, including those for Christian parents, do exist.

A must have book with a common sense approach to parenting!!! This man has great insight and his love for and understanding of children is very evident! Don't be put off by the negative reviews. It is evident these people have not read his books but instead have a political agenda and are out to ruin a good man's reputation. Buy the book if you are looking for wonderful, thoughtful parenting advice. His books could not have stood the test of time if he was the ogre many are trying to make him out to be. You will not be disappointed. I have four wonderful children who were raised with his advice and they are now raising their children with his books as a resource.

Dr. Dobson's Dare to Discipline was a wonderful resource for us as parents. Dr. Dobson's wisdom and understanding of children gave us great insight into the behavior of our children. Understanding why a child is behaving in a particular way is essential in dealing with their behavior. Our two children have grown into wonderful adults who tell us that we are the best parents and they thank us for how we raised them. And the greatest compliment they gave us is when they both told us they hope to be able to be as good of parents as we have been. I cannot understand how, if his advice is truly followed, anyone can give this book a bad review. Our first grandchild was just born and I am online to buy a copy of Dr. Dobson's book for her parents. I want her to have the benefit of Dr. Dobson's wonderful love for children and insight into their hearts. I cannot recommend Dr. Dobson highly enough.

Dobson has a useful instructional place, as do some of the counter-points positioned in these various reviews (for instance, the Sears' attachment parenting approach). The problem with Dobson is he has entered the political arena, and a lot of these reviews seem more about personal, character attacks, than actual book reviews.

Well, my review isn't really on this book per se, either, but, if you are a Christian, and looking for a loving approach that still applies some sense of parental guidance and firmness, I would recommend "How to Really Love Your Child" by Ross and "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tripp.

They do not specifically speak to strong-willed children, but provide a great basic framework for raising your child in Christ, from which you can better interpret other's thoughts, such as Dobson, Sears, et al.

Also, I have enjoyed books such as "What a Daughter Needs from Her Dad" by Farris. The point is not to rest with just one persons's thinking. Parenting is tricky -- it's the most important thing you can do on a personal level, and yet you only get one shot at it for each child! The best you can do is read a lot of different viewpoints, keep an open mind, don't take things too seriously, and pray without ceasing.