Take Back Your Kids: Confident Parenting in Turbulent Times

Let me share a short story about why this book made such good sense to me.I have two friends, who I'll call Candace and Mary. Candace is the kind of mom who jumps every time her daughter says boo, no matter how demanding or rude the request. Mary, on the other hand, was less 'conscientious.' Her husband was, at times, downright gruff with their kids when they got obnoxious. I always assumed that Candace, because she worked so much harder, was the better mother. Then one day it hit me like a bolt of lightning: Candace's daughter was a whiny, unhappy little girl, whereas Mary's were much happier.For some reason, many parents of my generation feel we must give our children our constant, undivided attention, must protect them from all forms of disappointment, and never, ever be angry with them. Doherty shows why that's a recipe for disaster. He looks at these misconceptions and gives good, sensible guidance. Probably one of the best parenting books I've ever read.

This is a splendid book about how to stop hurrying your kids, focussing on all the wrong things, and getting back to solid parenting, paying attention to the values that matter. It is funny, intelligent, thoughtful, and a must read.

I wish someone had handed me this book before my first child was born. Dr. Doherty states what many child-rearing "experts" should say, but don't: it's good for kids to have limits, it's okay for parents to expect respect and other contributions to the family from children, and parents have to set the example in showing respect and love for each other and the kids, respect for the family, and an example of what they want their children to become. I can't wait for Dr. Doherty's forthcoming book, "Take Back Your Marriage." "The Intentional Family" is also wonderful and emphasizes the role of family traditions.

I thought the book was excellent. As a single parent I feel this book will be a companion of mine as I raise my son. How important it is for our children to learn about respect for their parents and their family. I, too, am guilty of some of the mistakes the author mentioned in the book but am thankful that I now have a book to guide the way. We as parents, especially single parents have to get away from the guilt that we feel when we can't provide our children with everything they want. To teach a child respect is an invaluable gift every child should receive.

This is one of the most direct and honest books I've ever read about raising children in "turbulent times." The author, William Doherty, gives parents helpful, and sometimes shockng insights into how they have contributed to their children's self-centered, entitled attitudes. As the mother of three kids, I was surprised to see myself on so many pages. But Doherty doesn't stop there. He tells us how we can become more confident and secure parents in a me-centered society. His eleven strategies for expecting and getting respect from our children is indispensible and has already been used with positive results in my own family. Every chapter helped me to see more clearly as a parent and gave me the strength to stay firm with my children when it comes to their responsibility to family, school and society. Thank you, Mr. Doherty for giving me back my kids.