How to Talk When Kids Won’t Listen: Whining, Fighting, Meltdowns, Defiance, and Other Challenges of Childhood

Parents are presented with the tools they “need to deal with the inevitable conflicts between adults and children” in this encouraging guide from educators Faber (How to Talk So Kids Will Listen) and King. Working from a foundation of compassion, the authors walk parents through the best ways to deal with “all those everyday pull-your-hair-out moments,” with such basic communication tools as acknowledging feelings with words and telling stories. They also suggest responses to common scenarios: when a child makes a dramatic overstatement, for example, parents should accept their feelings instead of countering with a harsh dose of reality. They advise on kids’ relationship to technology (parents can offer a choice about when screen time will be permitted), name-calling (encouraging parents to let children know how a bad word makes them feel), and punishment (problem-solve together). A section dedicated to “Touchy Topics” lays out strategies for helping children cope with divorce and learn about sex. The authors’ light tone is enhanced by illustrations and catchy headlines, keeping things from getting too heavy. Full of ideas worth returning to, this guide will leave parents feeling prepared for when things go south. (Aug.)