Book Review:: Stop Reacting and Start Responding

I was recently asked to review Sharon Silver’s book, Stop Reacting and Start Responding: 108 Ways to Discipline Consciously and Become the Parent You Want to Be. And, I’m so glad I was. Like you, I’m a parent. And like you, my kids aren’t perfect. {If yours are, feel free to stop reading here.}

This book was jam packed with great tips and advice for parents of children ages 1 – 10. Just as I thought it would be. I took a good deal of notes as I read through and have already started to implement many of the strategies.

What I liked most about the book, in addition to the great tips, were the easy to read chapters. They covered topics like; behavior, choices, reacting, out in public, feelings, siblings and many more. Then each chapter was broken down into easy to understand tips. And, there was a ‘quick view’ after each tip so you could go back and easily review. Wonderfully convenient!

Most of the tips throughout the book resonated with me, but I did have a few favorites. I love the idea that Silver presents about teaching gratefulness at birthday time. She suggests creating a birthday wheel and spinning it to earn gifts, which revolve around spending time with others, not necessarily material possessions.

I also liked the tips she provided about getting the kids up in the morning, the clue word to use in public when things are starting to go awry, thank you bites, pig day {they can eat anything they want?!} and pretending to blow out birthday candles to release frustration. With two kids, ages four and six, these things were very relevant to our day-to-day lives.

Overall, Silver had great messages about discipline versus punishment and the benefits to knowing the difference. Throughout the book were great reminders about how we are modeling behavior for our children and they really are watching us every second.

I would highly recommend this book. It’s available as an easy download pdf eBook, which is a great option.  In addition to her book, Silver has downloadable seminars available as well. From now until December 2, all downloadable seminars are 50% off! Purchase one, or the whole set! This sale excludes books, coaching sessions and combo packages.

I encourage you to visit Proactive Parenting for a wide variety of resources!

*I was provided with a free copy of Silver's eBook in order to write this review, however all opinions are my own.