How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen

November 7, 2016
Anyone who has ever tried to entice a young child to take a nap or eat a healthy dinner knows that meeting willful behavior with a firm, yet nurturing approach requires patience, understanding, and flexibility. This new guidebook by lifelong friends Faber (coauthor of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk) and King, a parent educator and consultant, will help parents navigate this sometimes bumpy road. The examples and suggestions they provide are relatable and authentic, the direct result of their own experiences along with feedback from other parents. The first section discusses basic tools to help parents cope “when a youngster goes haywire,” exploring topics such as “engaging cooperation” and “avoiding combat,” with each chapter featuring a brief recap at the end. Part two shows “the tools in action,” highlighting the issues Faber and King view as most challenging and how the tools can be used to deal with them. The authors’ creative ideas will help parents feel they are not alone in dealing with little runaways, arguments over tooth brushing, tattling, and numerous other child-rearing dilemmas. As Faber notes, “Sometimes simple survival is a good goal.” Agent: Robert Markel, Markel Enterprises.

January 1, 2017
Parent and educator Faber, with educator King, picks up where esteemed mom Adele Faber (How To Talk So Kids Will Listen) left off with this updated "survival guide" for talking to little kids and gaining compliance. Her wisdom is in the same affectionate and funny style of mom: "Enough with all the talk about feelings. It's lovely to know we're enhancing our children's confidence...but we still have to get our kids to do things." Faber zeroes in on the most common (and irritating) things and tactics little ones employ, and provides caregivers with a clear and supportive path to holding their own. From tattling ("snitches and whistleblowers") to runaways ("kids who take off in the parking lot and other public places"), the authors describe exactly what life with little kids is like and make neither excuses nor pedagogical pronouncements; their advice is always supportive, appropriate, and ultimately best for the parking lot escapee in question. VERDICT Parents should not be put off by this volume's length. The "How To Talk" books are treasures to read. All libraries should acquire and recommend with gusto.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2017

Parent and educator Faber, with educator King, picks up where esteemed mom Adele Faber (How To Talk So Kids Will Listen) left off with this updated "survival guide" for talking to little kids and gaining compliance. Her wisdom is in the same affectionate and funny style of mom: "Enough with all the talk about feelings. It's lovely to know we're enhancing our children's confidence...but we still have to get our kids to do things." Faber zeroes in on the most common (and irritating) things and tactics little ones employ, and provides caregivers with a clear and supportive path to holding their own. From tattling ("snitches and whistleblowers") to runaways ("kids who take off in the parking lot and other public places"), the authors describe exactly what life with little kids is like and make neither excuses nor pedagogical pronouncements; their advice is always supportive, appropriate, and ultimately best for the parking lot escapee in question.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.