I was excited about the opportunity to read Teaching Kids to Be Good People by Annie Fox. It seems that this is what our society needs; however, being a working mother, I was unsure about taking the time to read yet another parenting book. My bookcase is already filled with options that I purchased during my most chaotic and unsure parenting moments.
What I discovered with Teaching Kids to Be Good People was a pleasant surprise.
The Table of Contents revealed topics that were pertinent to my very real, very current parenting dilemmas. Just last week, the author’s words reminded me about the trouble with lecturing my son “in the moment” and the importance of waiting until a calmer moment to discuss the issues. I’m quite sure this advice from Ms. Fox, prevented escalation that would have ended in a long and drawn out tantrum.
Annie Fox is thoughtful and sensitive with her expertly shared responses to teenage problems. Although my son is not yet a teen, I can see how her advice could pertain to the issues of his age group. I also believe that this book will be a favorite tool that I will revisit at different stages of my parenting career. I only hope that Annie Fox someday writes a companion workbook to accompany this book. This workbook could serve as a written dialogue between myself and my son. If not, I will use her thought-provoking conversation starters during dinner, car rides, and walks to approach subjects that might be difficult at a later time. Personally, I found the family quizzes to be my favorite tool. I discovered strengths that we can celebrate and areas where we can definitely improve together.This well-written, easy to read guide is meant for any parent!
As a teacher, I am inspired by the idea that parents read Teaching Kids to Be Good People. If they do, it could help their children build the social and communication skills that would in turn make my job a bit easier! If only parents focused as much time on these skills and suggestions, as they do on being the best on the soccer team!
Read Teaching Kids to Be Good People by Annie Fox. You won’t be disappointed and I promise you that you will hear yourself quoting Ms. Fox at times when you might have otherwise been at a loss for words.
So readers…In what ways are you already consciously teaching your kids to be good people? Annie Fox is offering a chance to win one of 3 copies of Teaching Kids to Be Good People to the best responses to this question.
*It was my pleasure to write this review. I did not receive any payment, but did receive a free copy of this book
My Twice Baked Potato 
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. I find myself wanting to go out and get a copy! I too have read so many books and I love how you described Ms. Fox’s table of contents. I think we all can use a survival handbook of sorts!! Thanks again, I look forward to checking this book out!
Hi Kathy, Kelly impressed me as well with her thoughtful and personal review of my book. Thank you for posting your comment and thank you for your interest in Teaching Kids to Be Good People. Here is the link to an excerpt of the book that includes my Table of Contents, Introduction, and the complete 1st chapter. http://www.anniefox.com/books/tk_excerpt.html Enjoy!
In friendship,
Annie Fox
Annie Fox-It was truly my pleasure! 🙂
Kathy-
Thank you so much! I believe that you will find it to be a good use of your time! Thank you for stopping by 🙂
I think most parents secretly hope their kids will grow up to be good people, but we worry that we will fail in our job somehow and our kids (and we) will be judged on the final results. We can all use those nuggets of wisdom to help us win in the end!
Until we’ve kicked the bucket, Diane, the “final results” aren’t in yet! Which is reassuring, isn’t it? I mean, it’s never too late to use the ongoing positive influence we have with our kids to guide them in the direction of more compassion, more empathy, a higher level of ethics, social responsibility, and forgiveness. And while you’re spot on when you say that “most parents hope their kids will grow up to be good people” I wrote this book so that parents have a real strategy for reaching that objective. “Hope” isn’t really much of a strategy. I’m in favor of a game plan and support and encouragement for keeping with the plan.
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