Creative Correction

I actually enjoyed the creative ideas for rewards. Children should learn to EARN. We adults earn our paychecks, and children need to be taught not everything is handed to them forever. She offers great ideas. I do not agree with the Bible as an instrument of discipline. I think this will only encourage children to resent the Bible, a love letter from our savior. Teach principles without a hell-fire and brimstone approach.

Wouldn't you choose to be corrected instead of punished? Nagging, threatening, grounding, spanking and sending my children to their rooms never worked as well as the ideas in this book are working for us. My children are learning to work toward rewards (which may only be a big smile and a hug)--while learning to do the right thing because it's the right thing--instead of trying to avoid punishments.

Marbles in a jar to earn a Happy Meal, earning special privileges for going the extra mile, "caught you doing good" rewards, good manners jelly beans, etc. My home is a different place after reading this book and taking good notes.

I was very disturbed by the contents of this book. I did not like the way scripture was used to advocate mistreating your children. Things like pinching their tongue with a closepin, blindfolding them for an extended period of time and putting them in the corner with their nose to the wall were just some of the methods she suggested. I am so sad that Focus on the FAmily has their name on this book. Just because it uses scripture, doesn't make it a Godly book. If I ask myself What Would Jesus Do, in disciplining children, this isn't even close!

If you need a good book on child guidance, I would suggest, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk. It's an excellent book that gives you ideas on how to guide and discipline your children, while respecting that they are people too, not animals to be trained!

Lisa Welchel should be ashamed of herself for using the bible to justify her cruel parenting techniques. Any person who has read the bible and studied it is FULLY aware of God's intentions in bring up children. Yes, provide discipline (which means to teach)and love. Use punishment sparingly and it does not need to be corporal to be effective. The shepherd does not use the ROD to beat his sheep, he uses it to guide them.....DUH. The bible clearly states do not discipline your child in such a manner to make them angry and turn them from you. I certainly raise my child biblically, without resorting to physical or emotional abuse. I think Lisa causes the defiance in her children through her ridiculously callous punishments. Most parents find mentoring and teaching brings very positive behaviors. If you want well-behaved children; teach, mentor, be a role-model, and use punishment sparingly. Effective parenting includes: Lead by example, be concise, mean what you say, take charge, be kind, be humorous, be flexible, and be loving. A child needs to trust a parent is acting in their best interest. A child who feels this way wants to behave, wants to learn and grow, wants to be obedient.

Ask yourself one question.......While you were employing Lisa's recommended correction techniques, would you feel comfortable if Jesus happened upon you? Would Jesus approve of you treating his lamb in such a manner? Jesus preached love and kindness. Please, read the bible for yourself before you believe this person is preaching the word of the LORD. This book is not Christian parenting!! I know many devout Christians who would never even think to treat their blessing from GOD in this manner.

Lisa Whelchel's Creative Correction is a terrorist's handbook for legalistic parents who are missing the boat on what God truly intended. Anyone spending that much time dreaming up ways to make children miserable is certainly missing out on a lot of opportunities for true JOY. It is loaded with devious and cruel suggestions for tormenting children and must appeal particularly to those bent on absolutely controlling small people. Children are a gift from God that we should appreciate and be thankful for every moment. Money would be better spent on anything by Dr William Sears,"Jesus on Parenting" by Dr Theresa Whitehurst, or Parenting with Grace by Dr Gregory Popcak. PLEASE don't take Whelchel's advise and hurt your little ones! The damage of this type of parenting leaves long lasting scars and you will ultimately suffer with them for your mistakes. Melissa King, Attachement Parenting International of Upper Montgomery County Maryland

...and disrespect of a person at its best. Children are people who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. This book just looks for sneaky ways to manipulate children to constantly break their will. It's a good way to teach anger repression early on.

You want obedience? Get a puppy.

Creative Correction, is just what it says. Lisa Whelchel does a great job writing this like a good loving conversations with a fellow sister in Christ who is struggling with raising well-behaved, well-educated, well trained godly children. There is life experiences, to assure you, she knows what you are going through, examples of going to God, Do as I say and as I do myself, and then practical, creative and Biblical tools. A definite asset to any parents library, although mine stays right by my bed and I read it every night. These are things that are easy to impliment, make pounds of sense and will yield glorious outcomes because they are directed at the heart. I have seen significant improvement in my confidence as a loving mom trying to discipline in an effective way that is going to penetrate and motivate. It works!!! because it involves the Creator of your child, and that is were all the answers are, at the Creator, and Heavenly Father's hand. He is the one who can change any situation, but be prepared to do some changing too.

This book gives the best creative ideas for discipline. I've used at least 10 different ones on my girls, because we all know you need to change it up a bit every now and then! The best idea was the correction jars - one that says "Pick a Privilege" and the other says "Correction Can." My girls were able to pick things to put on slips of paper for each jar and then when I saw them doing something good, I could let them pick out of the good jar and when I saw them doing something they shouldn't they had to pick a consequence out of the bad. It worked brilliantly! They would go out of their way to do good behaviors so they could get the chance to pick out of the good jar. I also loved the verses all throughout the book that correlated with the behavior. It gave me specific verses I could show my girls to back up why the behavior was unacceptable.

With this "resource" godly children are within your reach. Welchel offers sound advice from a parent who has been there. Advice for areas from obedience to handling failure and beyond are well covered in this handbook. As the author points out this is a book which, if used appropriately, will be dog-eared in no time. The toolbox is already in use in my house. My husband and I love the practical applications and natural consequences.

What a great book!! A must-read, especially for Christian parents who are trying to raise godly children. I have read many parenting books, and this one is refreshingly honest and practical -- an enjoyable, easy read. Lisa Whelchel is obviously a very devoted and loving mother; her "Toolbox" sections (filled with specific, creative suggestions for disciplining kids' negative behavior and reinforcing their positive behavior) were great. She is careful to back up all her ideas and tips with solid Biblical references, but it's all fun, not dry and boring. Excellent book.

As incredible as it seems, Whelchel is actually suggesting that parents pour liquid soap into their child's mouth or "hot sauce" them for lying or backtalking. This is very, very dangerous. A child may involuntarily inhale these dangerous liquids and need immediate hospitalisation. Capsaicin is such a volatile substance that it is used by police to bring down violent offenders - why on earth would anyone think it was a good idea to subject a little child to the same torture?

It astonishes me that Whelchel has never been reported to Human Services for what she is admitting to practise on her own children. But then, she also advises parents to keep the abuse hidden away from those who might not agree.

There's so many great ideas for loving correction for your children. You can implement the ideas you like and toss anything you don't care to try just as the author says. I've found many creative ideas in this book to help us correct our boys lovingly and responsibly. I have also tossed a few ideas. Overall, this is a wonderfully written book to help parents raise sweet, well-behaved children.

This book is full of information like this p.138 "As we walk along together shopping, I will suddenly give them silly commands that they must obey without arguing, such as `Walk backward,' or `Stop and touch your toes,' or `Give me a kiss.' Occasionally I'll throw in a real command, like `Don't touch that,' or `No, you may not have an Icee.' My favorite curve, however, is to say no to some reasonable request, like `May I go to the bathroom?'"

it is also full of information on how to punish your children and confuse them: like these

p.139 "Administering real correction--punishing a child when she has disobeyed--has to hurt a little to be effective, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring."

p.143 "Here's a solution for a perpetually messy bedroom: Explain to your child, `I cannot bear to look at this room anymore--it's too messy! I'm going to turn off the circuit breaker so I can't see it. When it's clean enough for me to tolerate, let me know and I'll turn your power back on.'"

p.143-144 "Having a struggle at bedtime? Try this: Next time you're dealing with the usual bathroom trips, cups of water, giggling, and talking, call off bedtime. Declare, `Nobody has to go to bed tonight!' Inform them that they may stay up as long as they like--the operative words being stay up. Then have each child stand still in the middle of a separate room of the house."

instead try books on positive parenting like how to talk so your kids will listen and listen so they will talk.

I can't believe this book or the author! HOPEFULLY MY REVIEW DOES NOT GET DELETED BY the store AS MOST OF THE 1 STAR REVIEWS HAVE, EVEN THE PSYCHOLOGISTS REVIEWS. This woman claims to be an actor, but is actually just savage! I can't even begin to say what she is doing to children by telling parents to do these things to children. If you were to purchase this book, take it as entertainment purposes only, because that has to be what she was writing it for. She has no background in any parenting as far as I can see, and if you look at the cover, it looks like a scrapbooking book. In fact, the headlines in it look like that as well. The fonts as well look like someone that would write a scrapbooking manual. Toolbox. Creative Correction. Ect. I do have to say, The most creative thing about it, is the font. Other than that, there isn't anything creative about the book. I gave it a one star because that was the lowest the store allows, but in truth, I give it a TENTH of a Star.
In this book the author actually admits that spanking her children does NOT work, saying that it did NOT work on her son, but still she abuses her children frequently. She hides to do it. When she is in public she does it in elevators and such because she does not want to be reported to the authorathies. She actually even hits her children on the palms of the hands and other places. It is appalling that this woman has not yet been caught by the authorities. However because she hides it this may be why.
She leaves her half full groceries in the store for the grocer to put away for her when her children act up and leaves. I think this is beyond rude!
She says that it would be ok to fill a boys room with manure! HUH?
She gives them ridiculous requests, like "walk backwards", "touch your toes", etc, and then "loves to throw in a curve like you may not go to the bathroom." This is unbelievable. Not letting your child go to the bathroom? And she also claims to bribe her children as well. Talk to any child psychiatrist or psychologist and they will tell you to stay away from his practice because it is a really poor way to deal with children. Even worse she bribes them with FOOD. Even worse in this society where children have so many eating disorders.
All I can say is, Please, Please, as I said before, stay completely away from this book, unless you are using it for a research paper against corporal punishment, or unless you are using it as some sort of sick entertainment purpose.

I am a Christian, wife, mother, daughter, friend, and teacher. I found that this book appeals to each part of my life! I was excited to find someone from the Hollywood acting world who is not caught up in new-age non-God "religion". Lisa is obviously a wonderful Christian who God has gifted with not only the ability to be a Godly mom who is instilling God in her children but also knows how to tell others how to do it! I have taken notes and am using this book for reference in the parenting of my 2 and 5 year old. God bless you, Lisa! More! More!

This is a great book to correct your children. Is it for the PC crowd probably not. But if you want to raise loving free thinking obedient children this is a great book. I say free thinking because this book call for a child to have consequences for his or her actions. I mean how many time do you hear that prisons are full of people who didn't do anything. Or worse then criminals the average Joe who thinks they are owed something for living.

I love this book!

Okay, I should have realized Lisa Whelchel's character on TV was just, er, a character. But Blair could be such a stinker, who would have guessed that Lisa was already influencing children in positive ways by making demands of scriptwriters to model godly behavior on the show. I never would have guessed the woman "behind" Blair could be so warm, funny, intelligent and, yes, godly. So I was skeptical when someone suggested this book to me. I figured, Yeah, what does some prissy star know about raising kids with good character. Sorry I pre-judged you, Lisa.
The "Facts" are just these: this ties as the best parenting book I've ever read. (And as a biological parent of little guys and a foster parent of problem teens, I've read plenty...Trust me! By the way, the tie is with Kevin Leman's "Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours.") Anyway, Creative Correction is, believe it or not, a page turner. I was inspired by the way Lisa is raising her kids. I was motivated to try her practical ideas and model her techniques to come up with my own. I laughed and cringed, respectively, at her personal stories of triumph and failure. Do yourself and your kids a favor. Buy and read this book, then keep it on the book shelf as a reference. I'm buying several more copies to share.
Happy parenting! God bless

You asked me to review "Creative Correction" by Lisa Whelchel, which I recently purchased. I hardly know where to begin. I do not think I will ever finish it. From the first half I can tell you it's a manual of how to manipulate, harass, abuse (both physically and emotionally) one's own children for one's own selfish ego. To deny a child the use of a bathroom just to feed one's own ego is truly sadistic and disturbing (p. 139). To further use the word of God to blame Christ for what amounts to child abuse is very troubling, especially since it is used to both justify the author's actions and to deny any responsibility by the author for those actions: "I didn't make up these rules, God did" (p. 28). I read up to where she handcuffed her children to punish them, wondering where in the Bible she found that cruel idea. It is my fondest hope that the store will cease to sell this manual before a child is "corrected" to death.

I loved this book! What blunt honesty about her own kids, what creative ideas to help them learn the "why" behind the correction that is taking place, and what a fun read. I already have two adolescents who can benefit from the suggestions in this book. But I'm really excited about helping my eight year old get and stay on track. Good job, Lisa. Can't wait for your next book!

This book is a horrible example of how "Christen" people can twist the bible for their own evil purposes. She uses bible verses as excuses for doing abusive things to her children. She Talks of "molding" children, using "screwdriver" "hammer" and "sandpaper" techniques.

She claims the "Holy Spirit" gives her ideas on "what tool to use" on her children. The tools being the previously mentioned screwdriver perhaps?

Yet again, the store pulled a negative review. I HAVE READ this book, and the BOOK is filled with ABUSIVE techniques. Apparently, someone associated with the author is trying to skew the reviews positively. I am not attacking the author--she may be delusional or she may simply be wanting to help others. The TECHNIQUES (which the store say must be critiqued alone) are abusive and horrible. READ this book, and then add your own review. It is offensive to any human being who care about young children.

I am a Christian Elementary Schoolteacher. I have no children of my own but was recommended this book by one of my students's parents. I was having a discipline problem with a couple of my students and was at my wits end. I was really able to apply this book to my classroom and I can also use it as a reference book for future kids of my own. I give this book two thumbs up!

Anyone who works with children, is raising children, or even helping with grandchildren should read this. Lisa offers wonderful ideas to correct behaviour. I have only read half of the book so far, but I really enjoy reading it. I want to make notes to refer to in teaching my precious grandchildren & giving them positive guidance. It's an easy read, & it is also humorous. I thank Lisa for writing this!!!!

Lisa Whelchel's Creative Correction might be characterized as a terrorist's handbook. It is loaded with devious and cruel suggestions for tormenting children and must appeal particularly to those bent on absolutely controlling small people and to those who think that they need help providing more variety in the lives of those little folk with whom they are compelled to get even. Anyone spending that much time dreaming up ways to make children miserable is certainly neglecting a lot of opportunities to find them a joy to be around, to learn from and to be inspired by. Money would be better spent on anything by Thomas Gordon or "The Case Against Spanking" by the late Irwin Hyman.

Randy Cox, LCSW

While I appreciate that she states that spanking should never be the only form of punishment (a step in the right direction), the descriptions of how to spank turned my stomach. She even states that birthdays are "bittersweet" because with each year, the children receive a greater number of "spanks."

Her heart is in the right place, but this book is still, quite simply, a how-to guide to (somewhat socially-acceptable) child abuse.

Please be wary of using the tactics in this book. This book is linked to the homicide of a 5 year old adopted boy in Lexington, KY. Lisa and Focus on the Family have no business advocating "hot sauce parenting" -- it is abusive and what does it teach? I can do something so bad to you that I can make you comply?

There have been day care facilities in the SE US that have had criminal charges brought against them for using the tactics in this book. If you know of a child being subjected to "hot sauce parenting" please contact local authorities and help protect the child.

Condiments might not leave bruises on the outside but they can cause health complications and even death. As an adult would you be willing to drink a bottle of hot sauce or a quart of vinegar? Heck No. Think about what a little bit would do to a child that only weighs 20-30-40lbs. This is twisted stuff. If you need to do this to make you feel in control of your kid maybe you should just give them up for adoption and let someone with patience rear them.

This is an exceptional, down to earth, God-centered book. Lisa Welchel is very practical, Christ-centered, and focused on rearing children who love and respect their Heavenly Father. I would highly recommend this book to any parent dealing with the challenges of raising children. It's easy to read, keeps your attention, and is a very good reference book. Definitely purchase this one!!

Read this book, read 10 other books. Get ideas. Get to know your children. Thank the Lord for their uniqueness. And most of all, pray for guidance to the one who made us and knows our deepest and most intimate needs and desires.

This book isn't a complete parenting guide. It is an idea book.

This book is absolutely wonderful! We use it again and again as we discipline our children in love and respect. It has helped us move from manipulative forms of discipline that don't really translate into deep character changes to corrective discipline that is changing all of our lives! Mitch is a 6th grade teacher at a Christian school and he has also gleamed ideas from this book that are perfect for disciplining in the classroom! We recommend it to all!

I can't believe all of these negative reviews. I LOVE this book! You should really read it for yourself. I imagine all of the negative reviews came from parents of infants. When our kids are under a year old, it's hard to imagine them doing anything that needs correcting. However, as they get older, dear readers, if you are doing your job as a parent you will find that correction is absolutely necessary! The author gives many ideas for everyday issues to help guide your kids, instead of constant nagging or punishing. She is NOT endorsing harshness toward our children. These suggestions help to have a more peaceful, loving, and FUN home. I highly recommend it!

Lisa Welchel has a Christ-centered heart. I have heard her speak at a homeschool conference and read her other wonderful books! She is not abusive! Good Grief! That is what the book is about! Using creative correction besides spanking/yelling!

Hot sauce on the toungue is not abuse! The Bible says, The Lord detests lying lips.
Lying is a sin. And it needs to be corrected. Does anyone mention she uses Bible verses after punishment is doled out? Does anyoned mention that she also prays with her children to ask for forgiveness? And does anyone mention that she gives affirmation of how much she and God loves them?

Her children are grown teens. One off to college. They seem to be well rounded individuals who know that they are loved by their parents and God!

That is what is wrong with this world. We don't want to bring up our children obeying God and their parents! Some kids just obey...but most do not! This book is great for the mom who is struggling with discipline. Who yells and spanks to get the point across. We all have to have consequences for the choices we make.

I have to say these reviews are totally cracking me up. They are obviously such a coordinated effort amongst the liberal left to attack any Christian book on parenting (all the other top Christian books on discipline are basically cut and paste reviews like the ones below.) Please, I strongly disagree with 99% of the precepts of attachment parenting, but I have better things to do with my time than to email all my friends and convince them to post bad reviews on the store for books we have never read!! (notice how the majority of bad reviews were posted within about a 10 day period in July? hmmmmmmmm...)

As far as the "she doesn't let her kids use the bathroom" reviews, if you actually believe Lisa does not let her kids go potty you are pretty dense - or, as I strongly suspect - you just have an agenda to discredit her because she is Christian and conservative and you are unabashedly intolerant of anyone who disagrees with you. Sigh. The exercise is in training your children to mind you without hesitation - which comes in very very handy when they are chasing a ball into a street. Our children must learn to obey us even when they don't understand the reasons why (which is about 99% of the time). Anyone who reads the entire scenario in context would understand what her point is.

Ok that is all I will diginify the falsified reviewers with. This is an excellent book on very creative ways to get children to obey. I was an elementary teacher pre-kids and so many of these ideas reminded me of my "teacher bag of tricks" involving reward and punishment that I utilized on a daily basis in the classroom, but now that I am a mom, I am just too tired to think them up myself.

If you read this book, you will have many V8 moments - as in, wow, why didn't I think of that. If you are uncomfortable with corporal punishment, no problem, because the majority of ideas that she has have nothing to do with spanking, but much more to do with children being inspired to change their behavior in fun and creative ways.

Highly reccomended for hundreds of specific, doable discipline strategies for your "mommy bag of tricks".

I have noticed good and bad reviews. I bought the book sometime ago. A doctor once told me of another book and wisely said, "Some methods might seem a little out there, just look at it and take what you can use from it and ignore the rest." With that I would have to agree.

I don't believe Lisa is saying this is the cure all, only way to do it....I think she is just sharing her and people she knows styles that help them.

I don't agree with all her methods, but there are some really great/helpful suggestions and ideas in there....not ALL of them are as extreme as you might think from previous reviews...but ignore the ones you disagree with...thats what I do.

I really appreciated the scripture references...while I can't see myself spurting them out at each and every foul, I appreciate that I have an additional resource (if only to help my own attitudes).

p.139 "Administering real correction--punishing a child when she has disobeyed--has to hurt a little to be effective, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring."

p.208 "Got any old hand or ankle weights in the garage? Have your child wear them around his ankles or carry them around for the day as punishment

p.203 "Use a pair of toy handcuffs to join two siblings who can't seem to get along. It's really fun to watch them try to eat dinner like this, or read a book, or take the garbage out, tasks I'll often assign them."

p.207 "If they are unable to cooperate with one another, they must play in the backyard, whether it's 30 degrees or 100 degrees outside."

p.75 Whelchel approves of filling a boy's room with manure!

p.138 "My favorite curve, however, is to say no to some reasonable request, like `May I go to the bathroom?'"

IS THIS REALLY CONSIDERED GOOD PARENTING ADVICE?

TO ME IT IS SIMPLY PSYCHOLOGICALLY UNFIT.

This book is filled with all sorts of parenting advice, including positive reinforcements, corrections, guidelines for
spanking, how Scripture comes into play, etc.
On the positive side, the book was very well organized, with many tips from people across the country. I liked how she used
Scripture to back things up. She even explained why it is so important to use Scripture when raising your children. The
positive reinforcers were really good and are things I'd like to try myself. She also made a point that her way of parenting
wasn't the only way, and that you have to decide what is best for your family when it comes to child discipline.
As for the 3 rating...I am a Christian parent who believes that we should not let our children get away with murder. But I
have some problems with some of the corrections she mentions. Some were good, but I would not want to use some of what she
suggested. First, I've never liked the hot sauce/vinegar/soap treatment. Second, she mentions spraying water into the face
of a toddler who has a temper tantrum. I'd feel like I was treating my child as a housepet if I did that. Then she
mentioned things like letting a child go without a meal for failing to do a chore. I do believe strongly that you should
never threaten to withhold food from a child, for any reason.
Another example of something I wouldn't try is when the child refuses to hold your hand when going across the parking lot.
She mentions giving the child a choice: either hold the child's hand or hold the child's hair. If I was leading my child
around the parking lot by the hair, I'd be afraid the someone would sick Child Protective Services on me.
And finally, she mentions that if a child has a temper tantrum, make them go to their room and have them cry for 10 minutes.
First, what if the child is physically unable to do that? Second, this one hits too close to home for me. I had a
babysitter who would hold me down by my wrists on my bed and make me scream because I supposedly screamed at her. I ended up
with bruises on my wrists. Now, that WAS abusive.
I think with this book, I'd recommend using the corrections with much caution. Use a discerning attitude towards this book.
Take what helps and leave the rest.

PLEASE, readers, if you care about children, their joy, their innocence, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK. The techniques are about humiliating your children, and about getting them to obey even the most debasing and horrid commands (like NO, you may not use the bathroom) without question. Is this Jesus-centered parenting?

It is interesting that there have been such negative reviews written about this book just over the last few weeks and this book has been out for years. Before people can jump on a band wagon to trash a book, common sense would lead one to believe they should read the book first. I can come up with hundreds of people to support this book and write a glowing review but it is of no benefit to you. Please read it for yourself and discount what anyone else here has written.

Is there really anything new here? Corrections is still the same old authoritarian parenting that treats children without respect under the mask of the bible tells me to. For instance it still advocates pain as a method of correction. There are many more enlightened ways to raise children with limits, and it isn't difficult to find books on them. The only good thing about the book is the stress on consistency.

After reviewing how to train a child up by Michael and Debbie Peal thought I would buy these abusive parenting books and start to review them. adding my own unique twist to them. Now I could talk about all the abusive ideas in this book but instead will just challenge two retarded none abusive ideas in this book.

"Here's a fun and easy object lesson that will teach your children how to end an argument. Grab a ball and head outside to play catch. Point out your child that you are able to play the game because both of you are participating. Then drop the ball suddenly and walk away. Your child will probably be a little upset and want to continue to play by herself. Explain to her that your argument is a lot like playing catch. As soon as one person chooses to drop the ball, or argument, and walk away, the quarrel is over."

As parents one of our long term goals is to raise children to deal with the real world. Once your baby get's older and in the working environment they will see that minor argument's and debates go on all the time. As parents we should be trying to teach our children to respectfully disagree with each other and how to peacefully compromise instead of never having arguments. When it comes time for my baby boy to get a job I want him prepared to deal any situation that comes his way.

"When we allow our children to determine the outcome of a situation, even subtly, it weakens their trust in us."

This is one of the biggest load of crap I have ever read in my entire life. Not only does giving your kid choices make them feel more involved in the family but it also helps boost their self esteem and helps them make better choices in the future. Forgot what book this came from but in it the author talks about how his daughter (think it is) was having a hard time getting ready in the morning and he tried all the typical parenting techniques to get her to hurry up. (bribes threats yelling scolding) Well one night when both the parent and child were in a calm relaxed mood he asked her how she ready faster in the morning and she suggested that she get dressed before going to bed at night. well they tried that out and it totally worked.

You will be shocked at how smart your kid is if you just give them a little freedom to explorer the natural world around them. Teach them how to think and not what to think.

As for awesome parenting books I recommend both "playful parenting" and "how to talk so your kids will listen" Parenting is hard but the ideas in those book help make it a hell of a lot easier and more enjoyable. (also guilt free. hence the term it will hurt me more then it will you)

This book by 'Facts of Life' star Lisa Whelchel has got to be the most user-friendly, practical, common sense, child-rearing book ever published. I was so pleased to find real solutions (and suggestions) to the everyday obstacles of raising children for God in this day and age. Thank you Focus on the Family.

This manual on how to raise bewildered, resentful, and dependent children is more frightening with each successive page. The author describes a variety of "creative" punishments, including forcing a child to wear leg weights or to stand sleepless for long periods, handcuffing children to each other, denying bathroom visits, applying hot sauce to a child's tongue, and public humiliation. She also describes videotaping her children's struggles with these bizarre punishments. Many techniques would be regarded as abusive and illegal in most of the US. The book seems to acknowledge this, as it recommends applying some of the more violent or outlandish methods in private to avoid the attention of child protective services.

Aimed at Christian parents, the book recommends using the Bible in some punishments: for example, a disobedient daughter is required to listen to tapes of the Bible rather than a favorite audiobook. Whelchel does not appear to recognize that using an activity as punishment will cause a child to see it as unpleasant, and that this practice could build aversion to the Bible. She states that these methods "come from the Holy Spirit" and equates herself with God when using them, suggesting that any parent who does not use them cannot be a good Christian or raise Christian children. The concepts of tolerance, allowance for individual differences, or striving for Christ-like behavior are utterly absent.

The most disturbing aspect of the methods Whelchel recommends is that she is apparently completely oblivious to their long-term consequences. For example (page 138): "As we walk along together shopping, I will suddenly give them silly commands that they must obey without arguing, such as 'Walk backward,' or 'Stop and touch your toes,' or 'Give me a kiss.' Occasionally I'll throw in a real command, like 'Don't touch that,' or `No, you may not have an Icee.' My favorite curve, however, is to say no to some reasonable request, like 'May I go to the bathroom?'" Likewise, she makes frequent references to "throwing a curveball" that will keep her kids off guard. These actions teach only that parents' behavior may be incomprehensible, inconsistent, and demeaning, while children must unquestioningly obey any command, no matter how unreasonable. Whelchel's methods are a recipe for turning children into mistrustful, fearful adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves.

I can't believe all the negative response to this book. Did I read the same book.

I found it amazing. Lisa is so positive about children and how to correct negative behaviour you may see in them. I have used some ideas in her book and already my toddler has changed into such an obedient and loving child. He now focuses on others, not just himself.

The ideas truely work and I don't find them abusive at all. Just give the book a try yourself and I'm sure your results will be just as wonderful as mine.

This is a wonderful book. Lisa Whelchel not only covers the traditional methods of displine, but also gives some very interesting and "creative" ideas. Some of which I wouldn't personally use, but would be great ideas for others. When you are on the verge of pulling your hair out because you child is driving you insane with his/ her misbehaving, go grab this book. It will give some scriptures and some ideas that will refrain you from pulling your hair and also help you explain to the child why it's wrong to be acting the way they are and have a suitable punishment for it. The toolbox section is great for a quick reference. I think every parent should read this book. They don't have to use every idea, but the book would be a good start on how to displine children. Great book, Lisa. I can't wait for your next one!

I have read this book cover to cover several times and been a follower of Lisa's books since this one came out. I am really appalled at all the hateful reviews written recently due to an news article which rarely tells the whole story anyway. I refer to Lisa's book quite frequently actually.

It is interesting that this book has been out for 4 years and yet it was not until a "shaded" news story that it has come under fire. It is the same people complaining about her "suggested methods" that are complaining about how we have kids who do not respect people and are unruly.

I think it is irritating that society does not butt out and let parents raise their children. I am NOT advocating child abuse and have a huge problem with it. However being a teacher myself I have been through CPS training and know what they look for. I know it depends on the state but frankly if everything these scathing reviews are saying is true that they would report someone for putting a drop of hot sauce on their childs tongue to teach them a lesson then they should call CPS on my parents. My parents used spanking (rarely only for something big)and hot sauce or soap on me and I have not grown up thinking that my parents were horrible people or have disturbing recollections of my childhood. I am super close with my parents, I am a normal member of society, I am not afraid of people, I am not out committing crimes because I got spanked either.

she NEVER said she guided her kids out of the store by the hair. she said she gave them that choice and they always picked the right one. She also states in her book that not all these solutions are for everyone pick and choose what works for your family.

Lisa I think your book is fantastic and I will continue to refer to it when I need inspiration for new ideas. I think you have wonderful children who are very lucky to have a mom who has guts enough to discipline them when they need it despite everyone else giving you a hard time for something that is really a personal decision. I will continue to buy each book you come out with. GOOD JOB!!!

For those of you who have not read it this book is fantastic with different creative ideas just like she promised. It is set up with the cool toolbox and I love that she backs everything up with a biblical verse so the children are learning why they made the wrong decision and how to make a better decision next time. :)