This is a great book for reinforcing everything positive we do as parents. There is no room in these 10 chapters arranged in 4 parts to dwell on the negatives of life.

Parts I - IV are titled:
- The Best Attitudes Parents Hold
- The Best Things Parent Do
- The Best Things Parents Do For Themselves
- The Best Things Parents Do For Each Other

I like the format of each chapter, which begins with a story that demonstrates the lessons or points to be made. And at the end of each chapter a little to-do project gives the reader something to think about - making this an interactive and teaching text, in my point of view.

For example, one of my favorite chapters - Focus on Feelings - has a lesson called "Nurture Joy" that ends with this little assignment:

"Recall what adults told you about joy as a child. Was it portrayed as a feeling you had to contain? Imagine a time you felt happy as a child. How did express joy? How do you experience it now? How do you react when your child feels elated?"

At the back of the book after all the wonderful encouragement in the chapters there are 2 comprehensive suggested reading lists under the headings Doing the Best for Your Child and Doing the Best for Yourself.

I've just given you an overview of The Best Things Parents Do, but it is really chockfull of hints that guide toward bringing out the best qualities and strengths in each individual child.

A must-read! Highly recommended!

Details - 165 page Paperback; Conari Press (March 2004); 8.5 by 5.5 inches; ISBN: 1573249025

Available from Amazon.com

The Best Things Parents Do - Ideas & Insights from Real-World Parents by Susan Isaacs Kohl

Link to all reviews in the Learning Library

Review by Susan Kramer