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Rating:  - Great book
This is not a parenting style or system for everyone. With all parenting books, you must pick and choose, taking what you like and leaving the rest. I have read other "discipline" books, most of which are very different from this one, and I have learned things from everything I have read. However, this is one of the few books that resonated with me.
I noticed that many parents (present company included) didn't enjoy disciplining their kids. As parents, it is easy to become locked in power struggles with our kids. Based on my observations, I was looking for a book that endorsed a less punitive and more egalitarian approach to the disciplining and training of children. This book approaches disciplining as character-building. In other words, the goal of discipline is to "build up" a child, instead of pushing or even shaming a child into behaving a certain way.
There are many important messages in this book, several of which are: balance firmness with kindness; watch what messages your actions and words are sending to your kids; don't expect too much or too little from your child, developmentally; and disciplinary consequences should be related, respectful, and reasonable.
Part One gives a good overview of the authors' approach, as well as a concise explanation of pertinent topics such as the roots of poor self-esteem and acting out in anger. Sometimes there was a "cliff notes" feel to this section, but that was OK because Part Two seemed to be the "meat" of the book. My degree is in psychology, so I can say with confidence that this section was based on solid psychology, albeit particular branch(es) of psychology. If you look at parenting as a two-way transformative process, you will learn something about yourself through this section.
Part Two is the "A to Z" part of the book. There are many helpful tips on a wide range of discipline issues. The authors emphasize verbal reasoning and consensus-building. They offer suggestions about more physical forms of discipline, but they do not recommend spanking.
One note to the prospective buyer: this book is geared toward the older toddler and up (most of the time, the suggestions begin at 2 years of age). There are companion books for 0-3 years and teenagers, so if your kids fall into those categories, you might want to look at the other books as well.
Rating: - Good Book!
This book is filled with tons of ideas on how to better discipline our children. Although I do not agree with everything contained in this book, I highly recommend it anyways because it contains really useful ideas about raising children.
Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated
Rating:  - I recommend this as supplemental reading
I bought this book because of the title & based on a recommendation from a friend. The book arrived in the mail and I immediately flipped open to the page about children biting (as my one year old was beginning to do). There were several aspects to their advice and some of those I agreed with & that have been effective. There was a lot that I thought was ridiculous & on a path to having an out of control, undisciplined child though. I would recommend this book to someone as supplemental reading for the ideas that you can mold into your framework for "postive discipline".
Rating: - Positive Discipline The First Three Years
This book is clear, realistic, and useful. I am a parent educator and I give it at every baby shower that I attend. Good stuff!!
Rating: - Great Resource for Parents!
This book offers quick, easy, and realistic solutions to everyday issues. Disciplining children can be frustrating and challenging. Here is a book that offers "tricks of the trade" you can pull out of your hat. And best of all, you will feel good about the discipline options you choose if you follow these ideas. And here's a thought...give this at the next baby shower you attend!
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