8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids

In 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids, child psychologist, Todd Cartmell, walks you through basic tools for healthy, effective parenting. Todd gives eight essential and practical tools to help you:

• Maintain a healthy relationship with your child
• Develop a nurturing home culture
• Correct behavior in lasting ways

Divided into five short chapters that include a summary tip and application questions, the book is designed to give you simple clear-cut applications to build a healthy, loving relationship with your child, guiding them toward maturity. Using these applications, you can plant Godly wisdom in the hearts of your children, and help them thrive in all relationships with others.

My review: Overall, it's a good book with practical advice and doable solutions. I admit it started a little slow for me, and sounded like it would be more along the lines of helicopter parenting, but after the first couple of chapters, common sense and good advice became much more apparent, so hang in there if you have doubts. (Keeping in mind that I am a great-grandmother and probably have a different mindset than many of today's parents)

My favorite part is one that I have tried to stress to many children with whom I have had any influence. THINK before you ACT! Dr. Cartmell refers to this as "STEPS":
S - Stop
T - Think of possible solutions
E - Evaluate the solution
P - Pick a solution
S - See if it worked

Naturally, this is going to work better with children past preschool age, but start training kids to do more than REACT as soon as possible. Dr. Cartmell does give wise advice in training children to redirect their behavior---and parents also. We all make mistakes.

While it is obvious that Christian principles and values are an inherent part of his methods of raising children, I think that even non-believers can agree with the solutions he recommends. However, a downside of the book is also a lack of useful tips for single parents, especially when other adults who are involved in parenting have a completely different outlook. But, that in itself is reason for a separate book. No matter what your situation is, I do recommend the book.

I was given a copy of this book at no cost to myself by Flyby Promotions for the purpose of writing this review. They are also offering a discount on the book through May 15, 2016. See details below:

DISCOUNT CODE!! You have access to a 50% Discount Code which is GREATKIDS16  This code is only good from April 15th to May 15th

Official Website-  www.8simpletools.com

Dr. Todd Cartmell on FB

Free access to the HEARTS AT HOME "ESSENTIAL WORKSHOP COLLECTION FOR PARENTS" with every purchase: http://www.8simpletools.com/purchase-with-offer (so readers not only get 50% off with the coupon code at moodypublishers.com, but also get access to a slew of freebies).