I’ve read lots of parenting books…like around 15 (and my kids are only 3 and 1…almost)! Many of these books are great in theory, but seriously lacking in practical application.
Yes, I know it is important to be consistent and demand respect…but what happens when my kid is screaming in the grocery store???
If you’re looking for a book that has practical tips for dealing with specific issues with toddlers to 6-year olds…look no further! Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood 
Up until now, I had never read a book by Jim or Charles Fay, though I had heard great things about their books, seminars, and the Love and Logic Institute that was co-founded with Foster Cline.
What I Loved
- Choices: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood emphasizes giving children choices and recommends giving “control away when you don’t need it, so you can get it back when you do!” Kids love making choices, so the more we allow them to choose the “little” things, the less control they will seek when we make choices for them on the bigger issues. This has made such a huge difference in the number of tantrums thrown each day in our house. Here are just a few examples that have worked well for us since reading this book.
- Big Brother (almost 3 yrs) likes to choose his own clothing and throws a fit when he doesn’t get to choose. I now let him choose his clothing the majority of the time so that when I want him to wear something specific (to church or another function) I can say, “You’ve chosen your clothes everyday this week, so now it is Mommy’s turn to choose.” This has worked surprisingly well and we have avoided several battles!
- Big Brother also likes to choose his sippy cup. I typically would just grab one and then fill it up…until a few months ago when this would serve as our very first tantrum of the morning every day! The fact that I didn’t start allowing him to choose and avoid the tantrums in the first place obviously points to the lack of my brain fuction in the mornings.
- Validating your child’s interests. This book recommends taking special notice of the things your child enjoys and saying things like “I noticed you really love that teddy bear” without saying anything positive or negative (like “that’s great”). Showing that we notice our children’s interests without judging them as good or bad validates their individuality…even at a young age.
- Discipline without Frustration or Anger. This is something I am constantly working on. I tend to let misbehaviors go on for too long and then I just “snap” and usually end up talking in a tone that no one in my household appreciates (including me). Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood recommends replacing threats and warnings with simple actions. If you tell your child (once) to pick up the toys and they don’t do it…the toys get put away for a few days. When your child starts to whine, treat them with empathy but do not give in. “Kids are better prepared for real life when adults don’t give repeated warnings.”
- Turn mistakes into learning opportunities. Let’s face it…we all fail. Our children are going to fail, at home and in the real world. Now is the time to teach them to learn from those failures…while the stakes are small. “Every opportunity to own and solve a problem enhances a child’s self-respect.”
Things I Misunderstood
I was going to title this section “Things I Disagreed With” but then I decided they weren’t necessarily things I disagreed with…they were simply areas which I felt the book was not quite clear on. First, I felt like much of the book was showing parents how to avoid conflict…which is great–I love avoiding conflict! But sometimes I think children need conflict to show them that we are the authority in our homes. We, the parents, are in charge. They are loved and valued, but they need to learn to obey us (Ephesians 6:1). I felt like the book didn’t necessarily give clear examples on when to exercise our authority and when to seemingly avoid confict (by letting our children make choices).
A few of the strategies were a little too fluffy for my personality (imagine that) and I can’t imagine myself using the “uh-oh” song or the “energy drain” without cracking up laughing. There was also a strategy for when your child whines that encourages them by saying “that’s the best you can do???” It’s supposed to work the opposite way and end the whining, but I think telling our children to do something with the expectation that they do the opposite is never a good habit to start.
Bottom Line
This is the MOST practical parenting book for young children that I have ever read! Both Prince Charming and I agree that it is a wonderful resource for all parents. I am very glad that we both read it because it has given us actual strategies (rather than theories) that we have applied immediately. It has greatly reduced the number of tantrums thrown in our house!
You should go to a seminar if you ever get a chance. They are AWESOME!!!! I also have several audios from them. I love the audios because I cover 4 counties for work with child care programs and I can "work" while I drive.
Would love to win. I've heard great things about this book and my little guy just turned one, so I have a feeling I'll be needing it soon!
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PS-I subscribe by email and like you on fb!
I've heard good things about this book. Would love to win a copy.
Sounds like a great resource
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Would love to have it.
robertsonkm68 at att dot net
sounds awesome! I'd LOVE any help I can get!
I've subscribed for e-mails, follow on facebook and follow the blog! LOVE what an awesome resource you are to my preschool and family!
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I'd like to win a copy! We have been using Conscious Discipline. Have you read looked into that one yet?
I forgot my email – [email protected]. I already subscribe to you on facebook.
I linked this giveaway on my facebook too.
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Julia
I would LOVE a copy of this book. I am also dealing with LOTS of tantrums! My email address is: [email protected]. I follow your blog and love all of your ideas!
I also like you on facebook!
My (past) co-worker and his wife, who have six kids and his wife does day care, like this book the best for discipline. I asked him when I was expecting and that was his reply. It sounds like it has helped your family! [email protected]
*Already follow the blog and like you on Facebook!
This is my extra entry as I posted the link on my Facebook profile.
Great giveaway! I could use a great resource book.
I've been eyeing this book for awhile… I'd love to win! (I'm a follower.)
aimeesprik at gmail dot com
I retweeted you! rachel.annette at gmail.com
And I follow you all over the place.
This book looks great! :) I'm a follower in facebook and subscribe to your blog.
I love your blog I found out about it from money saving mom which i also love. We are looking for a good parenting book to deal with some behavior issues in our four year old. We have read several books and like you i agree with parts of them looking for another practical resource. my e-mail address is [email protected]
I would love to win this book … I have a 3 month old and any advice is appreciated!
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I get your emails and I'm FB friend!
Hope I win!
laurabyski at gmail dot com
I could definately use a new outlook..I would LOVE to win this book :)
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Sounds like a great read!!!!! Hope my ladybug and I win!!!! Thanks!!!
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I like you on facebook!
I follow you via Google :)
I would love to read thid book :)
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I would love this book!! i follow your blog through email and facebook
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i copied and put the link in my status bar
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I am a fan on FB! I also reposted information on the giveaway. Thanks! ~Celeste
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I raisied 3 children and used love and logic in my classroom. What a bummer! [email protected]
Thank you for reviewing this book. I would LOVE to have it. I have read (and own) the Teaching with Love and Logic book and love it.
Enter me!
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I'm the mom of an 8 month old little guy, and I'm always looking to "stay ahead of the game" when it comes to parenting books!!
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I also read alot of parenting books and i think this one would be a great one to read. I have heard about it from my church but have never gotten the chance to read it.
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I would love to win a copy!
I would love to read this book! I follow you on facebook.
rachaelvwerf at gmail dot com
This book sounds like it would be super helpful for me – I feel like I don't know good ways to discipline my 2 year old daugther. I follow your blog and really appreciate your posts. mo1179 at hotmail.com
I just subscribed via e-mail. I also follow you on facebook. [email protected]
I have the teacher edition but would love this one!! I subscribe to your emails and like you on facebook!
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I keep hearing how great this book is, and I think I need a copy! :)
Dmajorlj @ gmail . com
I subscribe via email and Like you on facebook and I tell all my friends about your blog!
I follow you on your blog and "like" you on facebook.
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I follow you on your blog.
I tweeted about the giveaway.
I really want to read this book. :)
Would love to read this book and pass it along to other parents as well;) Liked you on fb and follow your blog. Here is my email [email protected].
Blessings,
Aria
Sounds like a good read. My 21 month old is getting a jump start on his terrible twos! [email protected]
A friend recommended Love and Logic, I just didn't know they had one specifically for smaller children.
I follow you on Facebook and through the blog.
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I would love to win this book. I'm always looking for additional insight on raising my 3 year old daughter. Thanks for a great site! My email is [email protected].
YES! Practical strategies are just what I need! I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 16 month old.
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Yes! I would love this book!
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Yay! I used Teaching with Love & Logic in my classroom, but it was definitely not geared for the early childhood age! I'm on it! [email protected]
I follow your blog and FB. Love the Love and Logic and need a refresher as we are dealing with a strong willed 3 1/2 year old. Lent out my book and never got it back so I'd love another copy! My email is [email protected]. Thanks for the great blog!
I really enjoyed your book review and the strategies you shared. I'd love to win a copy! Thanks!
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I follow you on facebook and subscribe to the daily emails.
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I was wondering how do you get such awesome brands to sponser you for giveaways??
I am totally new to blogging (not reading them but actually writing them) and am just fasinated by the amount of blogs with such great giveaways!
Is it based on your followers? Or your content? Did you seek them or did they seek you?
If you have a moment I'd love to hear your advice!
Thanks!
Tish
ps: You can follow me at http://all-about-the-family.blogspot.com/
Ive borrowed this book quite a few times from the Library. I would love to actually own this book!
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I've been following your blog for a bit now. Im loving all your ideas. Thanks for all you do!
I also follow you on FB
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would love to win this…gotta to see a few videos from love and likes the concept :)
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I think this book looks great! I would love to win a copy. I just started looking at your blog and can't wait to start using some of the ideas!
I like you on FB too.
clanderson616 @ msn.com
I would love this book! With #3 on the way, it looks like it would help calm things down around here!
Like you on FB and follow the blog…
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Would love a copy of this!
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Borrowed the book from the library, would love to have a copy at home to reference as needed! Thanks
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Would love to have a copy of this book. I have heard both sides of the coin when it comes to some of the points from the book. I think that you just have to do what feels right when it comes to your kids. Every child is different.
Great review. Sounds like a good book that I would love to win.
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If I won this copy I would give this to my wonderful daughter-in-law you is the mother of my beautiful 11 month old grand daughter. I have forwarded many of your posts to her email and both of us loved the your wisdom and appreciate all your research for our children!
Thanks, Kathy
I'd love this! [email protected]
I'd love this. Already follow you via email and facebook. [email protected]
This book sounds great! [email protected]
I'd love to get this!
mnebesniak14(a)yahoo(dot)com
I have 19 month old that is starting his toddler tantrums…I think that this could be helpful!
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I already follow via email.
Ahh!! This is JUST what I need! My 3 and almost 1 year old boys challenge me CONSTANTLY. I don't mind a challenge, but I don't like turning into Monster Mom! I Hope I win!!! (I follow via email.) [email protected]
I would love to win this book…we are just at the right stage with a 4 and 2 year old. I am currently going through your dinosaur thematic unit. We did the dinosaur measuring today. It was fun! [email protected]
I would love to win this book. I have a 3 year old that can be a bugger some days.
Thanks
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I'm sure there is great advice about having 2 under 2!
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I would love copy of this.
I subscribe by email.
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Would love to have a copy of this with an 8 week old at home :) – Kathy
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I would love this book!!! I am a follower via google reader.. [email protected]
Would love to add this book to my parenting collection, especially since I have my 2nd child on the way. I follow your blog on Facebook.
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I follow via RSS . . . this sounds like the book I NEED!
I follow you blog and would love to win this book!
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I would love to win this book! I have a 3 year old and 18mo old that could really benifit from it.
Thanks
Wow, that could really come in handy!
Lisa [email protected]
I just heard about this book from a friend at church. I am the chairperson for our small group studies at church, and plan to put this on the list for our spring class choices because it sounds more practical that the other books I've read (having a wild 2 1/2 yr old boy)
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I'd love to see what this book has to say!
Rebecca
rebalist at yahoo dot com
I have used his other books at my job as an elementary school counselor – would love to have this one for my 2 year old at home! :)
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I would love copy of this.
I subscribe by email.
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I love Jim Fay and Foster Cline–their advice is priceless!
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I like you on FB and would love to have a copy of this book. My little girl is almost one.
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Thank you for the great insight!
I follow! [email protected]
I follow this blog via RSS. With 3 under 6, this looks like a very interesting book.
I love the love and logic parenting methods I have heard of, love to read this book and find out more!
Thanks for the chance to win.
I borrowed this from the library, and I really enjoyed it. I have also read LOTS of parenting books, and I only have one 18 month old! I follow your blog and would love a chance to win. Thanks!
Amy
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I would LOVE to have this book as weve been struggling at home with preparing my son for kindergarden!
Amber
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I follow your blog [email protected]
I heard wonders about this book from a friend and have been hoping to find a copy. Thanks for such an awesome giveaway! I subscribe to your blog; thanks for all the inspiration!
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I would love to win the book! I follow you on facebook.
Michelle
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I wold love this book! Thanks for the review!!
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I like you on FB! Thanks Jenae!
Sounds like a great book! I would love to read it!
I subscribe to your blog! I am not a parent yet, but I will be teaching early childhood. I would love this book!
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I used this when I was a preschool teacher, and I found it very helpful. I have forgotten a lot of it and would love to have it as a resource for my 18 month old.
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I've borrowed and listened to the CD's of this book from a friend. I'd love to have a copy for my own. [email protected]
Thank you for a wonderful blog! [email protected]
Would love to win this book!
reneecordle at yahoo.com
I have twin 2 1/2 year olds, so this would be full of useful information for me. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I follow your blog and love your ideas and willingness to be a witness. My e mail is [email protected]