Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: The 7 Basic Skills for Turning Conflict into Cooperation Eas

I learned about Becky Bailey through my daughters Kindergarten class as her entire school practices 'conscious discipline' among other brain based techniques. As a regular volunteer, I was so impressed every time I observed the teacher handle conflict--(while much of it, has to do with a very talented teacher who is well trained and educated in early childhood development), I began to learn that her technique was part of the 'conscious discipline' technique (Becky Bailey's school based program). I observed over and over how children were being taught to use their words (literally giving their feelings/emotions recognition) while walking them thru healthy conflict resolution. For me, its ideal to see character development, self esteem and healthy coping skills being developed so naturally at school. But when I finally got curious enough and started looking at Becky Bailey's books for parents, I had no idea of the impact her books would have in my home. I will say that it is challenging and difficult to read the book as it can feel like a strong criticism of many of the techniques we automatically and lovingly do with our children. But honestly, she makes a lot of sense and for me, it resonated deep in my core. She covers such a wide array of topics from discipline to just general self esteem building. She gets at the root of these issues. For example, she covers why building self esteem takes more than mindless compliments and judging comments-- that's "good" "great" "pretty" and so on. When she writes that children want to be noticed, not judged--it finally clarified to me how and why descriptive observation was more beneficial than "oh, that is so great, honey". Once again difficult to acknowledge how many times I was actually judging my daughter under the guise of building her confidence. Very powerful. There is so much more in this book. This book will challenge you to be a better parent. The author while at times is painfully direct with why certain techniques (you probably are doing) are ineffective, she does share her own struggles with the standards--no one has unlimited patience or can be perfect, every time. But I have to say if you read this book with an open mind, there is great information that will most definitely improve your parenting strategies. I have seen it almost immediately in my home. Also, I can recommend her " I love you rituals" book, another book that can improve and give you small meaningful connections with your child. Overall, great author, great book. I am grateful for the exposure to her work and highly recommend it!

I read this a few years ago, when my children were small, and it made a huge difference. Becky Bailey knows what she is talking about, and it was enormously helpful. I even made myself a little summary with her main points on it so that I could refer to it often. Then, recently, I decided it was time to read it again, and again I was deeply impressed. This is a book that should be read more than once because it has so much substance in it. Lately I've been giving it to friends and family who are about to have a baby, because I can't think of any other book that would give them better or more practical advice. Don't make the mistake that it only applies to small children. I have found that the ideas she talks about are applicable to any relationship. There are no gimmicks, just a deep understanding of human nature. You may be familiar with the love and logic books. Those have some good ideas, but there's a narrow line between natural consequences and a consequence that really, to be honest, is more of a punishment invented by a frustrated parent. Becky Bailey does not cross that line. She stays on the side of helping you figure out how to best help your child in a loving and effective way. I have enormous respect for her, and would strongly recommend this book for you. When you apply what she says, you will become a better parent.

This book has really changed the dynamics of our entire family and how we relate to one another. One youngest is fortunate enough to attend a cutting-edge lab NAEYC accredited lab school where they practice Conscious Discipline. As I watched her those first few months, I realized very quickly that she seemed to be better equipped with social/emotional skills than our oldest... and to some extent her parents! When you watch a toddler go from full-on toddler meltdown to watching her calm herself using deep breathing techniques that many adults can't even do, you start to wonder what this stuff is all about. We all began reading this book - parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles - and it has really helped all of us. People will often stop us and say, "WOW! That was amazing! How did you do that?" or "Can you teach me?" I love that Becky Bailey gives practical, real-life examples throughout the entirety of the book. Every sentence is full of things that you can immediately put to use. There are lots of highlighted sentences in our copies of this book. I've read TONS of parenting books, but none of them come close to this one. In my mind, there is nothing better out there anywhere!

I'm really glad I decided to read this book, thanks in large part to reviews of other Amazon users. Took me forever to get through it, but I started getting complements on my parenting style within the first couple of months of picking it up. This is definitely not a collection of "toddler tricks" nor quick fixes to get your kids to do X that you find in every parenting magazine and website- and that might seem like the down side at first, nor is it an academic examination of child psychology. Rather the book validates a parent's yearning to do right by his or her child, fleshes out the why and how of that desire by sharing of useful insights into childhood development and modern family dynamics, and provides practical examples/action items and encouragement to empower parents to implement what their gut tells them is good and right for their children. Though I normally wouldn't, I recommended the book to 2 of my friends before even finishing it. Now that I've finally read all the way through it (and some parts more than once) I will be recommending it to more!

Very interesting. I am able to use most the ideas into my kids

I have not completely finished the book yet I have changed my entire life and attitude already!! This book rates up there with Dr Burns's Feeling Good Handbook for how to become calmer, happier, and more positive. I don't have children (mostly because of my severe depression and anxiety about how I might treat them) and I do wish I this book had been available years ago, what a different and happier life I would likely have now!! Of course, it can be used to help adults as well. And that is what I am using it for-- myself as well as family and friends who are suffering from how they were raised. Dr Becky Bailey is also on YouTube and her videos are great, and this book goes even further into detail. Possibly the BEST BOOK I have ever read! Thank you Dr Becky!!! You have saved this 49 year old depressed woman's life!!!

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che dire di un libro così meraviglioso? per me è una BIBBIA: lo tengo accanto al letto e lo rileggo ogni 3/6 mesi massimo. ha sempre qualcosa da insegnarmi. mi ha cambiato la vita... ti prende per mano in un viaggio di conoscenza di sé per arrivare a essere il genitore che vorresti essere tenendo conto che i figli imparano dal nostro esempio. semplice, scorrevole. da regalare a tutti i genitori di bimbi fino ai 9 anni. super consigliato!!

A sometimes confronting read, but then again one does not source a book such as this for the purposes of lighthearted entertainment. I have found the teachings and advice of Dr. Bailey easy to follow and have enjoyed seeing positive results in my own home.