Buddha Guides Series #4: If the Buddha Had Kids

Raising Children to Create a More Peaceful World

By: Charlotte Kasl

Narrated by: Amy Rubinate

The wise and insightful "If the Buddha" books have won Charlotte Kasl thousands of devoted fans. In her latest work, she turns her attention to parenthood, a stage of life that leaves most of us searching for answers. If the Buddha Had Kids applies Kasl's signature blend of spiritual guidelines, exercises, and practical advice to help parents raise peacemakers in our increasingly turbulent times, emphasizing that finding peace within a family is the first step toward creating a peaceful world. In an age where most kids clock more time with electronic devices than their parents and dinner is often fast food on the way to a soccer game, this gentle volume will appeal to the legions of folks eager for an enlightened alternative to mainstream parenting books.

©2010 Charlotte Kasl (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Dr. Kasl provides a wonderful blend of Buddhist wisdom, practical suggestions, psychological research, and her own rich perspective of being a mother. Parents will find this book very helpful in their efforts in promoting healthy brain development." (Daniel Ladinsky)

Anyone who is around children should read this

If you've been a child, know a child, have a child (or 2 or more) you should read this book. It is a beautiful work.

Wise words...

I felt very moved by this book in numerous ways. Not so much a reflection of the Buddhist lifestyle necessarily but of loving kindness in general. I like her take on child rearing. I respect it and feel that she put a lot of love into it. I like a more fast-paced reader. Her voice is very gentle and caring.

Way too anecdotal, misleading title

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I was hoping for a broader philosophy on raising kids, one that was...surprise...rooted in the tenants of buddhism. I found nothing in it relating to core tenants of oneness, natural unfolding etc. It's more of a personal story by someone who adopted older kids - that's great but I'm not sure her single experience provides the basis for anything remotely close to 'if the Buddha had kids'.

Has Buddha Guides Series #4: If the Buddha Had Kids turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes.

Would you be willing to try another one of Amy Rubinate’s performances?

Yes, the reader was fine. The content was lacking.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Irritation at misleading title.