Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide (The Positive Parent Series)

A must-read for new parents who want to connect with their children from the start
I was introduced to positive parenting principles and to Rebecca Eanes’s amazing books in an unusual way. I teach restoratively justice, and I had become accustomed to outlining for my students the differences between the kinds of questions that traditional criminal justice asks when a crime is committed (Whose fault is it? What did they do? How can we punish them?) and those posed by restorative justice (What happened? Why did it happen? How can we make things right?); yet it never occurred to me that applying what I knew about the “blame game” and the “pain game” to parenting would be a smart move. While I was pregnant with my twins, I showed my students a TEDx talk with Katy Hutchison in which she describes her family’s use of a time-in rather than a time-out (and explains how she wanted that same kind of time-in with her daughter’s killer). For some reason, that video clip really resonated with me, as did her explanation that putting a child in time-out only alienates and isolates them – it fails to address whatever underlying need all parties concerned may have. I start reading up on the subject and came across The Newbie’s Guide to Positive Parenting by Rebecca Eanes, then her Facebook community, Positive Parenting: Toddlers and Beyond, and now Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide (her most recent book).Reminiscent of Pam Leo’s Connection Parenting and L. R. Knost’s The Gentle Parent but packed full of practical tips and ideas, Rebecca’s book is indeed an essential guide to understanding why children behave the way that they do, and how we as parents can change our focus from controlling and punishing them to cultivating the kind of connected, secure relationship with them that will nurture them and help them reach their full potential. The book encourages readers to work on their own in order to identify triggers and concerns before putting these into action, and this self-reflection and heightened self-awareness results in much deeper, more meaningful family connections. My own parenting has benefited tremendously from exposure to this paradigm shift – I consciously treat my children with respect and empathy and find that I have more patience and a greater sense of calm in negotiating situations where we disagree. I’m indescribably grateful for Rebecca’s willingness to share her expertise and experience, and I feel confident and assured in the knowledge that her book is making me a better, more mindful parent with each read.

Three words: research-based, logical, practical, brilliant! (4 words actually)
I am a new parent and this is THE book I have been waiting for. It gets to the heart of every person wanting to build connection and fulfilling relationships with children and spouse. A parenting book that is holistic: it does not focus only on kids and kids’ behavior but also deals with self-reflection for parents and effective communication between spouses. It is based on research and psychological facts which clarifies many societal misconceptions about raising kids. It is practical and solution-centered as the author gives so many scenarios and examples that every parent can relate to. Every chapter has a section that helps parent reflect and put into practice what they have just read. There are so many practical tips in connecting with your kids from infancy to adolescent stage. This book is straight to the point, down-to-earth, and so easy to understand and apply. I will definitely refer to this book from time to time because there are just so many important points. A must-have for parents, parents-to-be, and even grandparents who wish to have happy and emotionally healthy families.

Best Parenting Book!! A must read for all parents and future parents!!
I am not sure if my review went up?? I have never felt compelled to even write a review, but for this book I am.I am a first time mom. Time outs and old fashioned punishing were not working with my daughter plus it all left me feeling badly. I do a lot of research on anything that matters to me & my daughter is what matters most. I am always online researching some behavior or ordering numerous parenting books. I have a shelf dedicated to them. I honestly believe this book and whole philosophy is the best. By the first chapter I finally felt like someone understood me and my daughter and how I wanted to parent. The author makes it clear that she’s not a doctor of any kind, but she’s a mom and she has used the methods she writes about and they work!!! Tonight is the first night I can remember in a long time that I don’t feel bad, my daughter is not screaming and crying for me!!! A lot of professionals made me feel like I was doing something wrong, but I finally have a better understanding!!I would recommend this book above any other parenting book, whether your child/children are young or older. Everyone can gain something from reading this and the authors blog.

A well written and easy to read book based on a parent’s journey towards positive parenting. With humility and compassion, Rebecca Eanes shares her insight and practical strategies for caring for kids while preserving and protecting one’s relationship to them. I could feel the love for her children on every single page of this book. She is truly inspiring and demonstrates why having our children’s hearts is at the core of helping them flourish as human beings.

After already following positive and attachment parenting since my daughters were born, I felt I needed something more as I felt myself having to remind myself of how I didn’t want to be with my children and this book has done just that. It has gave me the push I needed to keep going, it has given me the much needed confidence boost in my own abilities as a parent and most importantly it’s shown me that I’m not alone in my struggles, it’s opened my eyes to the path I actively chose to take in the first instance and has shown me to look at myself as an individual not just as a parent, which I often put aside me in favour of just being mum but allowing the time to look at myself and also the parent I am has helped tremendously. Thank you for such a beautifully well written book!