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Common Sense Parenting, 3rd Edition
By Ray Burke, Ph.D., Ron Herron, and Bridget Barnes

Here's a great guidebook for parents of children ages 6 to 16 facing a myriad of family challenges: a teen who's defiant; siblings who constantly bicker; a child having trouble in school, or parents and kids who occupy the same house but don't communicate or have fun together anymore. Common Sense Parenting provides parents with a menu of proven techniques that will aid them in building good family relationships, preventing and correcting misbehavior, using consequences to improve behavior, teaching self-control, and staying calm.

The book shows parents how to approach discipline as positive teaching rather than punishment of their children. Encouraging children by recognizing their good behavior and teaching before problems occur are as important as correcting children's negative behavior. Parents also learn how to help children solve problems, reach goals by using charts and contracts, and practice new social skills. As each new parenting technique is introduced, the authors explain each step, provide many clear examples, and give parents an action plan for implementing it in their home.

This newly revised and updated book answers parents' commonly asked questions and offers new behavior charts and more helpful information than ever. New chapters include those offering advice on setting reasonable expectations for children, creating predictable family routines that help children feel secure as well as improve their behavior, and putting together a parenting plan using all of the techniques explained in the book.

2006 Winner of The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval

Reviews:
"Some parenting books feature long and exceptionally in-depth analysis of parenting/childrearing issues. They are huge books that, quite frankly, terrify most parents. In this 3rd Edition of Common Sense Parenting, Boys Town Press displays that they "get it." Great for quick reference issues, the book is a real no-nonsense tome, offering pearls of wisdom to help you overcome those times when you need a little help. The fact that many parents already know many of the answers included doesn't diminish its value since the all too often our ability to think clearly flies out the window during stressful times. Having this book by your bedside is an especially good idea for those times."
-- The National Parenting Center

"What parent doesn't crave matter-of-fact advice on effective discipline, staying calm and helping his or her kids succeed? The third edition of Common Sense Parenting: Using Your Head as Well as Your Heart to Raise School-Aged Children offers loads of sage advice on these and other classic conundrums. In this back-to-basics guide, three professional trainers from Boys and Girls Town return with timeless techniques that balance logic with unconditional love. Geared for parents with kids ages 6 to 16, tips span the ages - like "Grandma's rule," which says kids can enjoy a privilege only after they've finished a chore, and the SODAS problem-solving method. Quick Q&As wrap up each of the 18 chapters."
-- Kim Kovelle (Detroit, MI) from MetroParent Magazine

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Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers & Preschoolers By Bridget A. Barnes and Steven M. York, M.H.D. Hugs and smiles and playtime: If only parenting 2 to 5-year-olds was this simple. But any parent of a toddler or preschooler knows that it also often requires dealing with whining, tantrums, "No, I won't" and other generally naughty behavior that tests the limits of your ingenuity and patience. How can parents balance nurturing behaviors that demonstrate love and affection with the discipline all children need to learn and thrive? Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers and Preschoolers shows parents how discipline can be more about teaching than punishment and more positive than negative for both you and your child. Included in these pages: How to set reasonable expectations based on your child's age, development, and abilities.   How to use a parent's version of "show and tell" to both prevent problems and correct misbehavior.   How to use praise like a compass, helping your child stay on the right path.   How to create plans for staying calm for you and your child.   How to use consistency, consequences, and practice to help your child learn what you expect of him or her.   How to celebrate special rituals and everyday routines as cherished family traditions. Winner of the National Parenting Center's 2001 Seal of Approval Gold Award Winner, 2002 National Parenting Publications Awards Reviews: "I just had to take the time to write this review to let people know how wonderful this book is. If you don't believe in yelling at or hitting your children, but you can't figure out what else to do, this is the book for you. I have a 4-year-old and have been following this book's advice for about 6 months and it works every time. It worked right from the beginning. It made sense to me and fit my style of wanting to "teach" my daughter rather than scold and threaten. It gives you examples and step-by-step instructions. It is not a book that you can just "flip through" to get answers to your questions. You have to "read" it all the way through because one section links to the other. But it reads easily and quickly like you are talking to someone who understands. You can read it in a day or two. My copy is highlighted and dog-eared all the way through. I can't say enough about this book. My daughter and I are BOTH happier and better "behaved". I hope the authors have written other books on the next age group and adolescents." -Mary C. Rochat (Fresh Meadows, New York USA) "Collaboratively written by parenting experts Bridget A. Barnes and Steven M. York, Common Sense Parenting Of Toddlers And Preschoolers is a very practical and "parent friendly" guide to the raising young children. From setting reasonable expectations for young children; to teaching social skills and self-control; to turning daily and weekly routines into family traditions, to handling very practical issues such as toilet training, bedtime, and meals, Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers And Preschoolers is an expertly written "how to" manual which is very highly recommended for parents and caretakers of children ages 2 through 5." -Midwest Book Review "Common Sense Parenting of Toddlers and Preschoolers is a fresh new book about parenting that presents a balanced approach of nurturing and disciplining young children. This book describes parenting techniques in a way that is persuasive, logical, and easy to read, particularly in short chunks. It recommends specific actions that teach parents excellent, effective parenting tools. A primary advantage of this book is that it is directed specifically toward developing respectful parenting skills for young children, helping parents set reasonable expectations based upon their children's ages and developmental levels. It also addresses the ways to help children who may not be developmentally ready for the usual approach. This book also specifically explains why authoritarian, corporal discipline is harmful, which is an explanation missing from many other parenting books. The most powerful message in the book is the tremendous value of spending time with one's children. The book is a tremendous resource for mothers of small children. It teaches excellent parenting skills that will be beneficial well beyond early childhood. -Diana West (Gaithersburg, MD) From "New Beginnings", Vol.20 No.2, March-April 2003, p.62 This is a great book - my husband and I have put the advice into action and it works! For example, practice with your toddler, prevent bad behavior: my husband took our 2 1/2 year daughter trick or treating. After a few houses he came back and said she wouldn't say thank you to anyone. I got down to her level and we practiced, you knock on the door, say trick or treat, I pretended to give her candy and told her to say thank you. I was very specific but kept it in her terms and it worked!! She told everyone else that night thank you. I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't feel like we needed it, it's really helped. They talk about praise, time out and reminding mom and dad how important it is to stay calm. After all, they're watching everything we do even when we don't think they're even listening. - Judy (Clifton Park, NY) A very helpful book and well written. A lot of the points in topics are common sense and when you read them you're like well "duh" but you'd be surprised how refreshing it is to have these points acknowledged. I like how the book starts with a little background in child development and offers a better understanding of a child as over the years it is easily forgotten what it is like to be a child and their mind set. I do love the book and like how it is set up where you do have to read through the book to get the whole concept. The only reason I did not give it five stars even though I loved it, the book although says toddlers (which to me is 18mnths-2yrs) it seems like it was more geared to an older child possible 4 yrs and older. I could be wrong but a lot of the technique and such have not worked on my almost two year old and neither did the approach. But over all it was an excellent book and would recommend it. - Stephanie (Dallas, TX)============================================================== No Room for Bullies: From the Classroom to Cyberspace Teaching Respect, Stopping Abuse, and Rewarding Kindness Editors: by Jose Bolton, Ph.D., & Stan Graeve, M.A. This book shatters popular myths about bullying to reveal its stark realities. You'll learn who's playing the intimidation game, and how they play it. From social exclusion, physical violence, and emotional backstabbing to sexual sleaze and cyberspace cruelty. But No Room for Bullies takes you beyond problem recognition to proven solutions. Parents will find. How to advocate for a child and work with the school when bullying is a problem   Safe Internet-Surfing Contract for kids that lays down the law on Internet use at home   Helpful strategies on what to do when a child acts like a bully, is a victim, or suffers from "bystander silence" School administrators will find. Suggestions on how to measure the social climate of schools, including sample surveys to give to students, staff, and parents   A 12-point checklist on preventing problems in hallways, classrooms, and common areas Teachers will find. Advice for creating and enforcing classroom rules, including an "Airport Rule" that gives students a sense of safety   Ideas to minimize the chaos that occurs during passing periods and in "unowned" areas like restrooms and hallways The contributing authors include child psychologists, parent trainers, and teachers. Drawing on their years of experience, they tackle bullying from all the angles: the bully, the victim, the bystander, the teacher, the parent, and the environment. No Room for Bullies is a 2006 Honors NAPPA winner - a program sponsored by United Parenting Publications, Inc. and promoted in association with parenting publishers across the United States. Reviews: Terrific resource for parents and educators! Being bullied is certainly scary whether you're an adult or a child, but especially if you're a child. The book's section on Internet bullying is especially timely in light of recent controversy about MySpace.com and other sites utilized by teens. Stories about bullies are followed by how you can help (your child, your friend, yourself). The various types of bullying are discussed, and there are quotes by now-famous victims of bullies: 2003 Miss America Erika Harold, actor Tom Cruise, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and actor Harrison Ford. This book is a valuable resource for parents, educators and students. -- Gayle Trent (Bristol, VA United States) =================================================================== Good Night, Sweet Dreams, I Love You Now Get into Bed and Go to Sleep! By Patrick C. Friman, Ph.D. An infant who wails deep into the night, a toddler who keeps popping out of bed, a young child who procrastinates long past his bedtime - does your child's behavior give you nightmares? Many kids seem programmed from birth with bedtime behavior that frustrates and frazzles parents who have difficulty ignoring a baby's cry or who feel guilty enforcing an early curfew for a child they haven't seen all day. Yet getting sufficient sleep is critical for children's health and happiness. With humor and empathy, child psychologist Dr. Patrick Friman outlines the problems related to bedtime for children from infancy through middle school and gives you advice and tips on how to handle them. In many cases, he provides several options so you can choose the approach you feel most comfortable with. His suggestions can help end those bedtime hassles and get you and your child the good night's sleep you both need! Winner of The National Parenting Center Spring 2005 Seal of Approval Reviews: "Enthusiastically recommended for parents or caregivers of young children, and also an excellent baby shower gift." "Written in plain terms, Good Night, Sweet Dreams, I Love You emphasizes the importance of building good sleep habits, and warns parents that children of all ages are always learning - and therefore responding to their excessive crying, defiance, attempts to leave the bedroom, and other activities with an abundance of warmth or gentleness will create positive reinforcement for the negative behavior of resisting bedtime!" -The Midwest Book Review, September 2005 ========================================================== Parenting to Build Character in Your Teen By Michael S. Josephson, Val J. Peter and Tom Dowd Building character in teens is a matter of teaching them to "know the good, love the good, and do the good." In this book, two of America's foremost youth-serving organizations, Boys Town and the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, team up to help parents accomplish this vital task. Learn how to use proven Common Sense Parenting techniques to teach, enforce, advocate, and model the Six Pillars of Character - trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. This book will show you as a parent how to help an adolescent build character by using his or her... Head - Teach right from wrong, help your teen know and understand the importance of good behavior and each of the Six Pillars of Character. Heart - Help him or her to develop a strong conscience and commitment to such values as honesty, courtesy, and dependability. Habits - Reinforce good behavior and attitudes so that they become a permanent and automatic part of your teen's life. Included is a helpful discussion of a seven-step process that teens can use to make effective and ethical decisions - decisions that uphold the Six Pillars and also help teens accomplish their goals. The book offers real-life ethical dilemmas and shows how parents can guide their teens through situations such as being pressured to have sex, being tempted to shoplift or cheat, or handling a bully's threats. ==================================================================== A Good Friend By Ron Herron and Val J. Peter The success of virtually all interpersonal relationships hinges on the ability to be a friend. This book advises children in such areas as the basics of conversation and friendship do's and don'ts. Included are nine easy-to-follow "people" skills such as giving and receiving compliments, introducing yourself, and showing respect and sensitivity, that put getting along with others into manageable steps. A special chapter deals with the challenge of shyness, giving kids practical advice on how to conquer it and grow in self-confidence. For ages 10 and up. This is the first book in a three-volume series that describes how to create healthy friendships. Who's in the Mirror and What's Right for Me? makeup Volumes II and III. Winner of The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval ===================================================================== Who's In the Mirror? By Ron Herron and Val J. Peter As children mature into adolescence, the impact of their peers, the media, and the surrounding culture can sometimes overwhelm the influence of parents, teachers, and other caring adults, and even their own better judgment. This book helps young people look critically at the world around them--television, movies, the music industry, and even their friends and acquaintances. Included are discussions of getting along with parents and teachers, dating, falling in love, body image, and eating disorders. Readers are given an easy, effective method of problem-solving, useful in dealing with negative peer pressure. The emphasis is on how kids have more power over their lives than they may think and how they can bring about changes to make things better. For ages 13 and up. Who's in the Mirror is part of a three-volume series that includes A Good Friend and What's Right for Me? Winner of The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval ==================================================================== What's Right for Me? By Ron Herron and Val J. Peter Teens can be threatened or tempted by many negative influences or people. This book addresses many of them: jealousy, prejudice, teen sex, anger and aggression, teasing, sexual harassment, harmful or violent relationships. It discusses bullies, sexual con artists, and people who do not respect others' personal boundaries. Teens are taught how to identify and prepare for such situations and people, given strategies for handling them, and encouraged to seek the help of parents, teachers, or other adults when in difficulty, doubt, or crisis. What's Right for Me? enhances a youth's ability to empathize with others and to take responsibility for his or her own behavior and future success. For ages 13 and up. It's the final installment in a three-volume series that includes A Good Friend and Who's in the Mirror? Winner of The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval =================================================================== I Like Birthdays Part of the Interactive Book about Me Series By K.A. Bye, Ph.D., and Illustrated by Earl W. Ridgell, Jr. I Like Birthdays! stimulates your child's creativity and interest in reading and writing. After a birthday celebration, you and your child can relive the fun by recording the number of candles on the cake, the friends and family there, the special food and clothing, and the favorite presents in your child's own words, drawings, and photographs. The book provides sentence starters that children finish with words describing their personal experiences. They then paste photos or draw pictures to illustrate their stories. Parents or grandparents can help children complete their one-of-a-kind book for a wonderful shared activity. Working on this Interactive Book about Me helps young and beginning readers (ages 2-8) improve their vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. I Like Birthdays! also helps children recognize the use of numbers and mathematics in everyday life, describe emotions, and understand social relationships. This activity book will bring repeated enjoyment and skill development as your child shares reading the book aloud with you, family members, and friends. And, when your child's reading progresses beyond the level of this book, you will have a unique keepsake of a special event from his or her growing years! Educators One of the keys to learning to read is motivation. This interactive book, in which the child provides the text and the important images, creates that motivation. It also requires children to think critically, recall and reflect on their experiences, and then recount them in writing - all helpful in developing language skills. Great for all beginning readers and writers, including English language learners and students identified for Title I or special education programs. ======================================================================= Visiting My Grandmother Part of the Interactive Book about Me Series By K.A. Bye, Ph.D., and Illustrated by Earl W. Ridgell, Jr. For more information, click here to play video Parents, Grandparents, Caregivers Visiting My Grandmother stimulates your child's creativity and interest in reading and writing. After a visit, you and your child can relive the fun by recording what Grandmother looks like, where she lives, how they play and what they do and eat together in your child's own words, drawings, and photographs. The book provides sentence starters that children finish with words describing their personal experiences. The young authors then paste photos or draw pictures to illustrate their stories. Parents or grandparents can help children complete their one-of-a-kind book for a wonderful shared activity. Working on this Interactive Book about Me helps young and beginning readers (ages 2-8) improve their vocabulary, reading, and writing skills. Visiting My Grandmother also helps children think about and describe their emotions, understand family relationships, and identify the unique characteristics of themselves and others. This activity book will bring repeated enjoyment and skill development as your child shares reading the book aloud with you, family members, and friends. And, when your child's reading progresses beyond the level of this book, you will have a memory-filled keepsake of a special event from his or her growing years! Educators One of the keys to learning to read is motivation. This interactive book, in which the child provides the text and the important images, creates that motivation. It also requires children to think critically, recall and reflect on their experiences, and then recount them in writing - all helpful in developing language skills. Great for all beginning readers and writers, including English language learners and students identified for Title I or special education programs.