Predictive Parenting: What to Say When You Talk to Your Kids

The author outlines his program through which parents exert conscious control over the messages they impart to their children to convey positive messages of self-worth

The essence of this book is simply that parents should give positive messages to children to program them for self-esteem and thereby success. Though not without merit, the concept is hardly revolutionary, and it is delivered in a style that is both repetitive and vague: "To be a leader, you have first to be a follower. How anxious your child will be to follow you will depend on how effective a leader you are. If you are a good leader, you will develop good followers." Helmstetter's solution to the problem of parents' giving negative criticism? Simply stop doing it. Not very helpful advice for those seeking to improve their skills. There seems to be an acceptable workshop lurking in this material, but the printed message is preachy, without substance and focus. Not recommended.
- Nancy M. Laskowski, Free Lib. of Philadelphia
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.