I Refuse to Raise a Brat: Straightforward Advice on Parenting in an Age of Overindulgence

When I was trying to conceive my first child I stumbled upon this and other books by Marilu Henner. I thought it offered great insights into things that a new or even established parent should and should not do if they want to raise a healthy, respectful and well-behaved child.In a society that has an abundance of unhealthy children I find this book to be great at educating parents in a non-threatening way. Sure Marilu cracks jokes, she is a very funny lady. Sure she is considered a celebrity but more so since she became an author. I think she has done what many people would love to do, take something they are passionate about, write it all down and share it with others. She didn't get a book deal just because she is also an actress and she wouldn't continue to write nor get the book deals if her books didn't sell. Take the time to read this book with an open mind and I bet there is at least a dozen things that will make you think about how great Marilu must be as a mother. I guarantee that if you were ever to meet Nicky or Joey you would find them both well behaved and extremely respectful!If you don't want to spend the money, at least check it out from a local library! You won't be sorry that you did!

I loved this book, I found the advice very helpful. I am so tired of watching parents negotiate with their obnoxious children in public, I wish more people would read this book. Bravo Marilu for standing up to the legion of overindulgent parents in America today.

This book is an excellent read! If you are a parent who is genuinely interested in your child's well-being, then this book is for you. If on the other hand you are unwilling to give up that self-indulgent, cuddly feeling of "I love my child so much, I just can't bear to hear him cry", then this book is also for you; you may see your child as he will be 5 years from now. The advice meted out is not what you will get from your child psychiatrist. It is fresh, practical advice that thankfully lays to rest a number of sacred cows of modern child rearing. On reflection, the advice is not so fresh after all - it's the same method our parents and grandparents applied forty or more years ago. The disciples of Dr. Benjamin Spock are going to be horrified at what they read in this book. The book discards the notions of allowing a child full and free expression, whenever and however he feels like it. The authors do not recommend that you negotiate bedtime with your kids, or that you jump to attention every time they cry. This tough approach to child rearing is a bitter pill to swallow indeed for those who need to "feel good". Beware wimpy parents! I disagree with the authors on the notion that spanking is not an effective and healthy method of discipline; but that apart, there was very little with which one could quibble. The book is written in a conversational style, and Dr. Sharon is definitely not professorial. I find Ms. Henner's anecdotes distracting at times, especially since often they serve no other purpose than to gild the lily. At times the stories can be irrelevant and contrapuntal, for example when she relates the occasion when she was ill as a child. The insertion of the unnecessary anecdotes makes for some jerky sections, but overall, the book is organized and flows smoothly. The sections titled "When Little Brats Become Big Brats" that appear at the end of each chapter are insightful, if not prophetic. This book truly represents a welcome departure from the conventional wisdom of modern child psychiatry.

I did not expect much from a child rearing book authored by a celebrity - after all, don't we witness daily in the press the effect of Hollywood on celebs and their offspring? However, I will tell you that Marilu Henner has authored an entertaining and insightful book on a topic that I (and I suspect other fathers) as an expectant father have given a great deal of thought.My worst fear is failing to raise my child to respect others, act considerately and behave in a manner consistent with the golden rule. My mother-in-law, aware of this fear, made a gift to me of Ms. Henner's book. I found the book to be a fun read full of lessons learned by Ms. Henner and complimented by comments from Dr. Sharon. Ms. Henner succeeds in providing her audience with an entertaining read while sharing her experiences and advice.Do not buy this book expecting it to be the encyclopedia of child rearing. Buy it to share in another parents' challenges of raising responsible children and you will enjoy.