Thursday, September 2, 2010

Book love

My new favorite parenting book: Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves: Transforming parent-child relationships from reaction and struggle to freedom, power and joy.  This is one of those books that you wish you had found long ago, like before all the struggles of raising a baby or toddler came about.  
I haven't even finished this book, and it's already changed the way my husband and I relate to and interact with our son, as well as with each other. I admit I've been reluctant to read a lot about discipline, mainly because the little that I did read seemed too controlling and didn't fit my parenting philosophy, but this book instantly clicked for me. A quote from Mary Haskell included in the book: "Nothing you become will disappoint me; I have no preconception that I'd like to see you be or do. I have no desire to foresee you, only to discover you. You cannot disappoint me." What a wonderful view to have towards our children and each other. I just wanted to share this wonderful find in case it can help someone else in a similar way. And please share other good reads if you've found something you love as well. 

2 comments:

Jess said...

I've heard nothing but great things about this book, and I think I'm finally ready to spend the big $12 and order it. I am always in need of ideas for discipline/a new perspective.
I found this group of articles written by bloggers called "Carnival of Gentle Discipline" which was wonderful! Here's the link: http://www.babydustdiaries.com/2010/04/what-is-gentle-discipline/

alison said...

Thanks for the link, Jessica, it looks like there's some good stuff to be read there. I'm also always looking for new parenting ideas and perspectives. This book has really spoken to me (and Daniel too), about so many things. It's so insightful into our motives & expectations as parents and how that effects our interactions with our children. If you do decide to buy it (from Amazon) if you use the link from my page I will get commission! :D
Hope you guys are doing well in TN! I've enjoyed reading your blog too! (I think you're the only reader I have right now!!)