Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #198653 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-24
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 568 pages

Synopsis
Parenting can be one of the most rewarding of all human experiences. The joy and satisfaction that comes from parenting well are almost indescribable. Parenting well is also one of the most demanding and challenging activities anybody will ever experience. Unfortunately, children do not come with instruction manuals. Parents must rely upon natural instincts and their own life experiences when deciding how to introduce the world and all of its complexities to their children. The idea of a "how to" manual for parenting, complete with a few easy to follow steps, ultimate solutions, and specific directions-although a desirable notion-is impractical. Most parents realize that the parent-child relationship can be complex, dynamic, and influenced by factors that are unique to their own family circumstances. Attempts to oversimplify this relationship are rarely helpful.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic - read it!
An interesting read with a detailed yet simple philosophy.
Although the book did seem a little 'heavy' to start with, I did easily get used to the authors style of writing and eventually found that I was unable to put it down!
It is very much as another reviewer commented - its all the things you know but are unable to put into words. You know those occasions when your gut feeling tells you one thing but you know people around you are thinking differently? - well this gives you the confidence to stick with your gut feeling and not give in to other peoples well-intentioned advice and it gives you the ability to express yourself if you so desire!
There are also many practical experiences of situations from which you can draw your own conclusions and ideas as a basis for your own parenting. You become very confident in the authors ability to give advice as you see how it has worked in real situations. I just hope that I am able to put these ideas into practice! I am sure that my copy will become dog-eared within a short time too. I am going to get Daddy to read it next!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to enjoy a close relationship with their child throughout its life.

Parents - prepare to stride forward!
Great book - outstanding even. This book had the knack of revealing what we probably know, yet struggle to achieve. It is insightful in shedding light on family dynamics, how children are supported within a family framework, and how to give children emotional safety and why they need it. The slightly heavy style of writing is offset by loads of practical examples drawn from the author's years of practice as a family therapist.

It has definitely improved my parenting perspective, understanding and - more importantly - my actions. Hope it helps you!

Love this book! Definitely for the thinking parent.
I have read many books on parenting. I am always looking for ways to improve how I parent my kids. I'm not sure that my parents were the best role models. So, I read what I can and never hesitate to ask questions of others. Unfortunately, most parenting books I read are way too general. They tend to oversimplify things. As a result I feel good after reading them but rarely see any meaningful long term improvements in my parenting skills and the quality of my relationship with my kids. I think Systemic Parenting broke the mold in respect to parenting resources. The author is not afraid to provide information that is necessary if one is to really change. It took me a couple of weeks to see the positive effects of parenting systemically, but everything that the author says seems to be true in my situation. The book takes some effort, but who said parenting should be easy or simple. Again, if you are a thinking parent and want to experience a much healthier parent-child relationship, if your are wanting to become a more effective and insightful parent, then Systemic Parenting is a book you might want to consider reading.