How To Talk So Kids Can Learn

This book has helped us in so many ways. It is a guide to a new way of parenting your children that does not involve yelling, threats, or violence. I was skeptical at first, but as my wife and I tried it my childrens' attitudes changed towards us and towards each other. I would recommend this book to any parent. There is always something we can do better!!

Faber and Mazlish do a great job of walking the reader through the maze of steps to effectively communicate with children. This book focuses on how teachers can improve their communication skills just like their previous one, How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, looks at how to improve parental communication.

I especially liked the comics which demonstrated a good use of visuals aka Carol Gray's Social Stories to show the intricacies of effective communication.

I have recommended this to teachers and parents as a means of understanding that "How" we communicate to children is as important as "What" we communicate.

Very easy to read and great examples to show how to put it into practice.

I borrowed this book from the library - 3 times now. I need a copy for my shelf to re-read once in a while. I am a home-school mom with a difficult child (he is proud of it), and I also teach a co-op class of teenagers. I began applying techniques as I learned them with results that were surprising and quick. I could imagine the little cogs in their brains turning on the light in their eyes - if you are a teacher, you know how exciting that is!

As a Christian raising Christian children, I agree that the parent should have the final say-so in any given situation concerning their child. After all, they are ultimately responsible for their child's upbringing, well being, and even their actions in some cases. However, helping a child come to the correct conclusion themselves is not "walking on eggshells", it is more difficult than that. It is helping them grow into adults that can make good decisions and think through problems - a priceless skill that is difficult to teach.

Oddly enough, the techniques in this book helped give me more control as an authority figure, not less. I like this book because I can quickly pick it up and read what I need to, then get back to teaching.

If I may, a book that would work hand-in-hand with this one, but more in discipline (not punishment), is "The Heart of Anger" by Priolo. Both books have helped me teach and grow my willful son with love and direction.

"How to Talk So Kids Can Learn" caught my eye when I was looking for a
book to read. Communicating with children has been something that's intrigued me. I don't have any kids of my own but my boyfriend has two and I want to be able to communicate with them to the best of my ability. Kids are little beings who absorb everything around them, which in turn, creates who they become. I'd often ask myself " What is the right way to communicate with kids?" or " Is there a "right" way?"

The authors, Faber and Mazlish, have some wonderful suggestions on how to
engage and truly listen to kids. Just being with kids and allowing them to
be who they are can create a truly positive relationship and bond. I have
found that when I'm "in the moment" with them, I can be appropriate to all situations.

Another book that I recommend is Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment by Ariel & Shya Kane. This book has just been released and it is fantastic. Through stories and experiences it provides keys on how to truly listen and be available for whatever comes your way. It is possible that when you live your life in the moment, magic can happen in all relationships: the one with yourself and the people around you.