Reviews for The Caring Child

The average rating for The Caring Child based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2007-09-01 00:00:00 Leo Anderson The book puts forward a parenting philosophy based on 'responsive listening', as termed by the author - which is the authentic/genuine type of listening with serious interest and attention given to the children's opinions/feelings without giving them that prompt commentary of the 'corrective' type like most parents do (even if it was in the nicest ways). Giving such quick correction signals you have not been listening adequately to their feelings (i.e. not empathetic enough). It largely advocates for this kind of listening throughout the book but emphasizing that it does not mean accepting their opinion/protest/idea. In other words, 'responsive listening' is distinct of 'accepting', 'accommodating' or 'compromising'. It just means children also need the comfort of knowing that their feelings have been adequately listened to and their opinions seriously considered. They will be more cooperative to your system of doing things if responsive listening was consistently practiced. I guess this is not a very new idea - and even elder people are generally more cooperative if they have been listened too. But it remains easily said than done.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-09-10 00:00:00 Michael Jamison This book gave me a lot of food for thought. I'm implementing the strategies this week and it's not ending all arguments (of course) but I'm a lot more aware of what my kids are feeling and it certainly helps me stay calm and worry less about "being disrespected" than previously. Something I've heard before and this book hits home: they are kids for a few years, but my relationship with them is lifelong. What do I want that relationship to be?