Customer Reviews
You CAN create more peace and cooperation in your family - By: , 25 Nov 2002 
Covey encourages every parent to do some soul searching to become aware as to what really is priorityin life. Then, he suggests we put "first things first." I believe that most parents would admit that they do wish to have "FAMILY" comes first--above all else. But,in today's busy, often stressful daily routine of life, accomplishing that goal is often "easier said than done". Covey clearly points out the essentials...such as establishing effective communication lines through family meetings & one-on-one talks with the kids. He makes so much sense as he describes with personal anecdotes how love, values, morality, & empathy for others is a process of teaching & learning from "the inside out"...in other words from within the family rippling out to society at large. He talks about establishing a family mission statement & helps to direct moms & dads to find the courage & the skills to make changes for the better. Covey's book creates the mindset & the outline.
If you have young kids like me, I recommend a perfect complement 'how-to book' with Covey's ... called "The Pocket Parent." This little book is loaded with compassion & humor along with quick read insights & skills that are completelyin line with Covey's principles. It specifically offers the exact words that parents can usein each situation to communicate more effectively with their kids. The book trouble-shoots most of the problem behaviors my husband & I deal with daily-such as Angry outbursts, Bedtime, Mealtime & Clean-up refusals, Tantrums, Disrespectful attitude, the "Gimmes", Morning "Crazies," Whining, Sibling fights & many more, while maintaining the dignity of both parent & child. These 2 books (one more theoretical & spiritual, the other more "hands on" & practical) have changed our lives. It's a big commitment & requires work to change...however, it's worth it! We now are enjoying more peace & cooperationin our family---and that gives us more time to enjoy each other as well as the confidence we need as parents to effectively handle (at least most of the time) the challenging moments that will continue to pop up. If you have young children, consider both books!
Also recommended: THE POCKET PARENT: for parents of 2's, 3's, 4's, & 5's
A "must read" for all families - By: , 08 Jun 1999 This book is an excellent guide for any family (the audio cassette version is also particularly good - as Dr Covey is a charismatic speaker of practical wisdom). It's guidance is particularly relevantin today's society - when the family often takes second place to careers & other compelling "calls" on our time.
Brilliant - simple profound - worked wonders in a month - By: , 27 Oct 1998 
I had read & listened to Stephen Covey's ideasin a work context - & they worked! especially the empathic listening skills. Butin the family - they are dynamite. These ideas are simple, easy to use principles that work The book is packed with stories from people better & worse off than you. The emotional bank account, win win agreements with the children, one on one time with your partner.... every one a winner. My friends are listening to the ideas too - they are a little bit infectious. I wish I could buy it for every parentin the country. Thanks for a bible for parents (and others)
