mychaelann's review
5.0
I really liked her ideas. I'm excited to put much of her plan into action in our family. Especially liked the financial aspects of the plan. Thanks to my sister in laws for the recommendation. A parenting book worth the read.
libbydmccarthy's review
4.0
I really really liked a lot of her ideas- especially about age appropriate chores and having "training sessions" with someone who knows how (not necessarily always mom or dad...) and then "practice sessions" (which we would normally call "chores"). She has a lot of great ideas, but I especially liked her view on teaching kids about managing finances. I may revisit this book again when my oldest is a teenager.
ktcarlston's review
3.0
Her conversational tone got on my nerves and her traditionalist attitude about gender roles was a bit annoying and seemed very dated (despite this being published in 2004 or 2005). That being said, I really love the idea that at each age and stage you should be raising your child towards independence. Her list of things that each child should be doing at specific ages is something that I plan on using over and over and over. Today I just had my 4 year old try and make a peanut butter sandwich. He needed some help - so I suppose we need to do some "training" but the idea of helping him learn how to be independent is actually pretty great. That being said - this is definitely not a must read parenting book.
lizbusby's review
5.0
The parenting advice in this (Mormon parenting) book consists of "grow a backbone and make your kids work" which I totally agree with. I LOVE the list of "things your kids need to learn to be an adult and when they can learn to do them". I've been trying to make my own list like that for ages. Also, good advice on how to back-off when your kids are teens so that their rebellion against their parents doesn't become rebellion against the Church.
shoelessmama's review
4.0
One of the best parenting books I've read and here's why... Usually when I read a parenting book I put it down and think, "Hmmm, lots of good ideas", and that's about it. I might change the way I talk for a little while or motivate a little better for a while and some of it might stick. However, this book comes with a very dummy proof plan of action!!! And I need a dummy proof plan. You can change it to fit your family which is true of most plans, I know, but the author also gives you permission to customize which makes me feel better about it. I felt like the plan in this book would help me consolidate the ideas of picked up from numerous parenting books.
Highly recommended to any parent with kids of all ages. The younger your kids are the better you'll feel about starting early, though, just a heads up. With my oldest being 7 I feel like this is doable. 12 and up you're going to be working your butt off but I still think it would be worth it.
Highly recommended to any parent with kids of all ages. The younger your kids are the better you'll feel about starting early, though, just a heads up. With my oldest being 7 I feel like this is doable. 12 and up you're going to be working your butt off but I still think it would be worth it.
anndeehi's review
5.0
Great book with easy changes to your children grow to be productive adults. I highly recommend it!
tanyarobinson's review
3.0
This book was recommended by my father, who heard it praised in their stake conference. I got a lot out of the first half, but was progressively annoyed by the author's glib manner. I agree with the idea of teaching children life skills as they get older, thus not sending them out into the world clueless as how to clean, cook, budget, make doctor's appointments, etc. I agree that they should be made financially responsible for many things. But I feel she takes things too far, and is depriving her children of a true childhood. I feel her child-rearing philosophy has too much manipulation and not enough respect. I was very bothered by the fact that she tells her children that if they don't use the money they save for missions and education specifically for those things, she will donate it to the missionary fund or children in Africa. I believe that my children are free agents, that money they earn belongs to them, and I have no right to confiscate it if I don't like how they're spending it. This is just one example that I feel shows lack of respect.
Though I will be ignoring many of Boyack's suggestions, I really liked her ideas about teaching about taxation, credit cards, various savings accounts, and the stock market. There are some good sections in this book, but I would not recommend it overall.
Though I will be ignoring many of Boyack's suggestions, I really liked her ideas about teaching about taxation, credit cards, various savings accounts, and the stock market. There are some good sections in this book, but I would not recommend it overall.
thehlb's review
5.0
A really practical book that doesn't take itself too seriously. There aren't too many parenting books out there on just the topic of getting kids to work, understand money, and be more independent. Especially with a gospel point of view!
itsallgoodreads's review
5.0
This is also one that I keep close for a reference. Very well-written for developing chore lists & how to teach your children to be independent.