Unlike the other books I’ve read by these authors, this is in semi-fictional form. Each incident described is based on reality, but without any individual being identifiable. The style won't appeal to everyone, but I found it very appealing.

Jan is the name of the narrator. She has three children: two boys and a girl. One of her problems is that her sons fight a lot. Jan tends to sympathise with the younger one, but she comes to realise that this helps nobody. Instead she learns new ways of enabling her sons to find their own solutions.

Other situations covered include typical family problems such as mess, forgetfulness, neglect of pets, and general rudeness. Jan belongs to a group of women, who help each other by offering suggestions and feedback to problems that arise in their homes. Their mentor and the organiser of the group is a writer, who mirrors his philosophies in his responses.

What I particularly liked is that there are stories of setbacks and failures as well as some resounding successes. There are discussions about anger, about the dangers guilt, and about the importance of parents taking care of their own needs. It strikes an excellent balance between authoritarianism and permissiveness, and is the style I believe in... even if I don't often remember to use it.

Very highly recommended to all parents, grandparents and teachers - and to anyone interested in constructive ways of relating to others. ( )

The first work of Faber and Mazlish, this book forms the foundation of their future works, "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen..." and "Siblings without Rivalry." Like their later works, this is an easy to read book about methods to help our children grow and learn to be capable and confident adults. The stories of different parents and their children illustrate how to use the methods. I especially liked that this book acknowledges that learning new methods is hard and that there will be setbacks. ( )