Advice from Mom
Childrearing

My favorite book on childrearing is "1-2-3 Magic" by Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D. This book offers a system that is simple to work with and produces outstanding results.

Dr. Phelen tells how to get your kids to STOP doing what you don't want them to do (arguing, whining, tantrums, sibling rivalry, etc.) He explains how to encourage your children to START doing what you want them to do (cleaning rooms, going to bed, homework, etc.). He also explains how to avoid the Talk-Persuade- Argue-Yell-Hit syndrome, how to handle misbehavior, and even has a section for teachers on maintaining classroom control.

You may be able to find this book (and its accompanying video) in your local public library. It is probably on your bookseller's shelves. And, if you still cannot find a copy, ask at your local Social Services Offices (the department that deals with foster placements and/or child protective services). Sometimes these agencies have a lending library for parents in the community.

Have a great day!
Rae

I am the mother of nine children, ages five through twenty-five. I have 8 girls and one boy. We live in central Nebraska. I have homeschooled most of the children at one time or another. I presently have three teen-age girls doing homeschool (our local elementary school is very community oriented, whereas the jr high and high school here are overly large and my girls prefer to do their lessons at home. We only have six at home right now, but grandchildren are starting to come along (2 so far) so the house stays full and noisy...we also have one daughter who went to West Virginia to be a nanny--she loves it there.

Do you need more information on this topic? Click here to ask a Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips@stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

If you liked this article, sign up for our free eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times. Just enter your email address in the box below and click Subscribe.

Follow The Dollar Stretcher on Twitter.