I had the chance to read Still a Family A guide to parenting through divorce and want to give my book to one of my readers. I am not divorced and I have no plans to get a divorce. I grew up in a family that was divorced. My mom has been divorced twice and lived with a man for a few years, so I know all about heart ache, feeling pulled in one direction or another by a parent.
I was too young when my parents got divorced for them to try and sit down and explain it to me, but I was old enough to realize they were arguing A LOT. I remember one time I started crying because of something on tv and they started arguing over who made me cry. That made me cry harder.
I find that Lisa discusses topics that are important to all parents. How does arguing in front of your children affect your kids and taking time for yourself. We all need to do that. My parents also used me as the go between. Good grief there was a lot of tension in my family. Now I find myself being the most passive, not wanting to get into an argument person there is. I just give in. That’s me.
I also find that you should not talk about about the other parent in front of your child. It is more important to teach your children love and respect than hatred and anger. I often wonder how I came out the way I did. Anyways this is a good book.
Book Description from Amazon:
Book Description: from Amazon
Divorce can have a devastating effect on children. Yet for families who carefully consider and manage the intricacies associated with this difficult and upsetting time, the family, as seen from the child’s perspective, can remain strong, healthy, and as loving and supportive as it ever was.
Still a Family clearly and concisely lays out the specific emotions and reactions parents need to anticipate from their children while going through separation, divorce, and its aftermath. Rather than weighing parents down with complicated plans, confusing information, and legal terminology, this book takes a common-sense approach, providing readers in a state of emotional distress with the practical, down-to-earth advice they need to sensibly and comfortingly guide their children through this often painful process. The book covers the most common mistakes divorcing parents tend to make, as well as addressing special issues that come up for kids of different age groups. This is a much-needed repository of wisdom and practical counsel for any family going through a time of heightened feelings and fragile relationships.
Dr. Reynolds is a marriage and family therapist who teaches a mandatory class for all divorcing parents through the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies. She knows her topic well, and she presents her material in a reader-friendly manner that will appeal to parents from all walks of life
Enter:
Tell me a good parenting tip Giveaway ends March 25, 2009
Listen to what your kids have to say.
If things feel like they are falling apart – try to keep a routine and stability as much as possible
Don’t keep everything a secret from family and friends. Being able to share your troubles with trusted supporters is important.
Christina – xristya@rock.com – My good parenting tip is to not yell at every little thing, because eventually the children become immune! Make sure they’re responsible for the larger things – sharing with and helping others, helping others who are hurt, being kind to animals and respecting older people.
Encourage children to share their feelings and make sure you let though know they are deeply loved.
meredycat*lycos*com
don’t stress out over the small stuff really! mverno@roadrunner.com
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
My parenting tip is to remember that one of your most important jobs as a parent is to help your child become independent. Allow them to always do age-appropriate things to take responsibility for themselves. Realize that although you can do things faster & better, they need to be able to try to do for themselves. Don’t step in, allow them extra time to try new tasks, and don’t just go back and re-do for them!
Put your kids before yourself. I have seen a lot of friends I know still think it is “all about them” and not about their kids. The kids have to act up to get their parents attention….
Stop and Listen.
Be open with your kids – communicate well when they are young so they will come to you with problems when they are older.
Be truthful to your children and explain things to them. Don’t make up fairy tales about important issues like when you go to a funeral and say “They are sleeping”. Tell them the truth in a relaxed natural manner with confidence and they will have that confidence to face lifes hurdles
Too bad I missed out on this one -( Looks like a really good book
wow
Try to follow the ten commandments.
Take the time to be involved in your children’s lives.
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
as a family and divorce mediator this would be so great for my library to share and recommend for clients – I have a hand book I wrote for clients myself!
ALWAYS eat dinner together
Never spank hit or abuse when correcting a child just use loving but firm talk. ambpool(at)hotmail.com
This sounds like a book I could use to help my son. His wife has effectively alieniated his children and made them very hateful children. Family court has been a farce and she laughs in the face of the court. I need something to make my son understand how to deal.
listen and be envovled in activities
Balance everything, or at least try. Becoming a parent doesn’t mean your life is over. Be involved with your kids, but don’t forget about yourself! Besides, when they grow up and leave, where will you find your joy?
Also, don’t talk down to your kids. As parents, we are here to teach and guide, not yell, rant and degrade.
I’m excited about this book. My sister is having issues from all sides right now. Thank you!
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.