The Well Behaved Child by John Rosemond

I started to read it...and the guy seems wacko...honestly.

From the little I have read he sounds rather nuts.

I read part of the book, but gave up. Rosemond is so dismissive to anyone who doesn't employ his old-fashioned, biblical principals that I had trouble taking him seriously. Modern trends in parenting are beneath his contempt, no matter how sound they have proven to be.

I'm sure his approach "works" for most of the children they are applied to. My objection is that kinder, more respectful methods also work, and may work better for many kids. I raised a very happy, responsible and well-behaved child without applying the "biblical" remedies in the particular interpretations he applies.

Sounds like I'm going to get pounded for this, but I use and like his methods. No, he doesn't think other parenting methods are valid, but if he was wishy washy in his opinion then why would I trust that they would work? Quite frankly, I don't think the new parenting styles are effective or proven. The generation coming of age now thinks that being a "princess," "diva" and "spoiled" are good things and something to brag about - not in my opinion. The generation of kids that are starting college and the workforce think that if they participate they should get a trophy which isn't how the real world (i.e the working world or the adult world outside of the workplace) actually functions.

We put our marriage first and our family time as more important than other outside activities like he advises. He paints a picture of "grandma's" era as rosier than it was, I'm sure. However, I can't look around at kids at the mall and think my grandmother would ever had put up with the behavior mother's today put up with.

I've never had to kick a child out of the garden before, but really he only suggests that for behavior that is way over the top and out of control and if you aren't committed to the method, I wouldn't suggest starting it. I've used tickets successfully with my kids for a few different reasons. It works well and quickly. I'm draconian I guess - I don't feel the punishment should fit the crime. I think the punishment should make sure the behavior doesn't happen again.

He's awful, frankly. I don't have anything nice to say about him, so I won't go any further.