Solving parenting dilemmas is often very emotional and very difficult. One of my favorite books to recommend is Kevin Leman’s Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours — it’s an entertaining read with lots of common sense from a man who has 5 children.

Another recommendation is Mike Roberts’ www.stopyelling.com. I heard Mike do a parenting seminar about “Raising Kids Without Raising Your Voice” (which he said couldn’t be done!) 12 or so years ago, and then had him at the preschool last year. He has great advice about taking the emotions out of parenting and allowing children power over their own decisions. If they make good decisions, then there are good consequences, for the bad decisions, you show them empathy and allow the natural consequences to happen. His newsletter is very good.

Parenting With Love & Logic is a great course to take whenever it is available. Their website also has lots of information about their books and events. The course helps you discover what kind of parent you are and helps you to practice your parenting skills.

We have a tendancy to get into a rut with our parenting, so I think books, speakers, videos, and websites are a great way to help you with parenting dilemmas. We don’t ever stop being a parent, so we need to continue to learn how to be a good one!