First published in 1982 (oh dear), one might think there would have been major advances in communication skills, but true wisdom stands the test of time. Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish are the authors of two heavily referenced books in my parenting arsenal: How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, and, Siblings Without Rivalry. Written as if participating in a parent group discussion, Faber and Mazlish present oh so familiar real-life examples, that you, or I, may encounter, as a parent, or not, in life.
The books break down concepts into simple, delightful bits, with a summary and examples at the end of each chapter. They are easy to digest and written simply. But don’t let that fool you. The material is relevant and applicable.
What I really love about these books, is that even though framed as a book about how to be a better parent, these books are really about respect, empathy, and communication. And these books teach you not only how to improve communication with your progeny- or anyone’s progeny for that matter, they also will inadvertently teach you how to how to better communicate with everyone! Respect. Acknowledgement. Feeling seen. Being seen. Isn’t that what we all want?
Some recommended titles by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish:
How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk
In this international bestseller, experts Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish provide effective step by step techniques to help you improve and enrich your relationships with your children. Learn how to: Break a pattern of arguments; Cope with negative feelings; Engage your child's cooperation; Set clear limits and maintain goodwill; Express your emotions without being hurtful; Resolve conflicts peacefully.
How to talk so kids can learn : at home and in school
Using the unique communication strategies, down-to-earth dialogues, and delightful cartoons that are the hallmark of their multimillion-copy bestseller How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish show parents and teachers how to help children handle the everyday problems that interfere with learning. This breakthrough book demonstrates how parents and teachers can join forces to inspire kids to be self-directed, self-disciplined, and responsive to the wonders of learning.
Siblings without rivalry : how to help your children live together so you can live too
When parenting authorities Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish sat down to write the national bestseller How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, they found that they couldn't contain their chapter on sibling rivalry. No matter how much they tried to pare down their advice, they found the subject inexhaustible -- and their readers agreed! The result is this seminal book -- revised and updated after more than ten years of feedback from parents' letters, TV and radio talk shows, and Faber and Mazlish's highly successful parenting workshops. Siblings Without Rivalry guides the way to family peace and tranquillity with humor and compassion for both parents and children. Illustrated, action-oriented, and easy to understand, it's packed with sensitive yet sensible ways to turn quarreling siblings and frustrated parents into an open, communicative family.
How to talk so teens will listen & listen so teens will talk
From curfews and cliques to sex and drugs, bestselling authors Faber and Mazlish give parents and teens the tools they need to communicate and navigate the often stormy years of adolescence. Packed with practical, accessible advice and guidelines, you'll learn how to: engage cooperation; take appropriate action; avoid lectures; express your feelings and understand each other; work out solutions together.