There's Gotta Be a Better Way

Dr. Bailey has an image of children and what their lives could be like that is a synthesis of some of the best writing in the field in heart-felt, everyday terms. This book is an invitation to explore your deepest beliefs, your own childhood, your heart, in order to be the type of adult who allows chidlren to flourish, thrive and laugh their way through childhood. I use this book as the bible for my college Guidance for Young Children class and make a gift of it to teachers and parents who are struggling to be the parent or teacher they really want to be. I love this book.

Becky Bailey has written possibly one of the best books on guidance ever. She describes the importance of using appropriate, positive techniques when guiding children as opposed to punitive, negative techniques many of us were raised with. This book is easy to read and truly down to earth--no tricky terms or language. She discusses how important it is for children to be given the opportunity and the right to feel, to be validated for how they feel, to feel absolutely safe within their environment along with so many other key components to providing a trusting, nurturing environment for kids. I agree strongly with Bev Bos' comment on the back of the book, "It also needs to be a part of required material sent home from the hospital with every new parent! Becky writes straight from the heart!" Becoming The Parent You Want To Be by L. Davis and J. Keyser is another book that is so compatible with this one. Get them both, learn how to nurture children through their developmental process AND CELEBRATE TOGETHER!!