Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings

How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life

By: Dr. Laura Markham

Narrated by: Dr. Laura Markham

Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's Summary

Popular parenting expert Dr. Laura Markham, author of Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings, has garnered a large and loyal readership around the world thanks to her simple, insightful approach that values the emotional bond between parent and child. As any parent of more than one child knows, though, it's challenging for even the most engaged parent to maintain harmony and a strong connection when competition, tempers, and irritation run high. 

In this highly anticipated guide, Dr. Markham presents simple yet powerful ways to cut through the squabbling and foster a loving, supportive bond between siblings while giving each child the vital connection that he or she needs. 

Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings includes hands-on, research-based advice on: 

• Creating deep connections with each one of your children so that each truly believes that you couldn't possibly love anyone else more 
• Fostering a loving family culture that encourages laughter and minimizes fighting 
• Teaching your children healthy emotional self-management and conflict resolution skills - so that they can work things out with each other, get their own needs met, and respect the needs of others 
• Helping your kids forge a close lifelong sibling bond as well as the relationship skills they will need for lives of healthy friendships, work relationships, and eventually their own family bonds. 

©2015 Laura Markham (P)2015 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

"Having Dr. Laura Markham on your bedside table is like having an angel on your shoulder, whispering useful secrets in your ear. These are the secrets every mother and father needs to know to become a more peaceful and effective parent." (Jack Canfield, coauthor, Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul)

"Drawing on the latest scientific knowledge about brains and behavior, Dr. Laura shows why forging strong bonds of love and understanding is the springboard to the kind of family life we all want. Even more important, she gives us an arsenal of practical steps and techniques to dial down the pressure so that both parents and kids can be calm, happy and successful." (Carl Honoré, author of In Praise of Slow, Under Pressure, and The Slow Fix)

"Finally, there is a treasure of a book to help guide parents as they welcome a new sibling into their household. Dr. Laura explains, step by step, how parents can promote a positive, loving, and respectful bond between siblings. Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings is a must-have for any family with multiple children." (Debbie Zeichner, LCSW, parent coach and educator)

Not for all mothers

It's a great book, but I felt it's not for my stage. I have 2 teenagers and one 7 years old. All the examples is for parents with a toddler and a baby. I can still use the ideas for my case. But this age group needs another book. So if you are planning to have your second, or just had your second and the age difference is not big .. this is the book for you.

Laura has changed my life

Wow. Laura's books found their way to me at a crucial time in my life. We were dealing with some severe behavior related to a diagnosis and needed help desperately. After reading her books and implementing her strategies we were able to accept and help our children deal with some big emotions. I remember my daughter looking up at me after a very long episode and she just said thank you and hugged me. Her eyes said it all. I can not thank her enough for the impact on my life and my kids life. I am so grateful. Thank you.

Life changing!!!

This book is AMAZING!!! This literally changed my life & my family! I have followed Dr. Laura Markham for years, reading tons of her blog posts & emails. I definitely believed in her & her practices. But I had hit a rough patch with my 2 oldest (6 & 4), who have always been best friends & had a great relationship prior, since my 3rd child was 2 months old (he was 1 when I finally listened to this book). So I finally get the book. I had a lot of “aha” moments while listening- seeing things from my child’s perspective that I hadn’t thought of before. 1 month after starting listening (wasn’t even fully done with book yet), I get a call from my parents who watch my kids 1 day a week while we work. They are calling just to tell me how amazing my daughter (the middle child/4 yr old, one having the toughest time lately) was doing the last couple of weeks & that she was such a joy to be around because she was so happy & so kind to her brothers!!! Overall- my husband is happier, I am happier, there is very little (almost none!) fighting in our home & we have more time on our hands to enjoy our kids instead of referee them! Do not delay- get this book now!!! I have been telling all my friends about my “secret” (this book) too! Thank you Dr Markham!

Life changing

I am not a "kid" person and Dr. Laura's book helped me become a better mom.

Filled with many useful examples

I have a 2 and 4 year old and found this book extremely helpful. Dr. Laura Markham is a gifted parent coach. She presents recommended approaches based on research and gives examples and scripts of how to productively handle common situations. This book provided me with lots of helpful tweaks to how I talk with my kids and encourage their sibling relationship. This is honestly the best parenting book I have read.

No Consequences Parenting is Bad

Pros:
+ Never using negative emotion with kids is good advice
+ Sitting down with kids and helping them connect with their own emotions is awesome
+ Helping the kids understand how they make others feel is emotion intelligence
+ The book tells the stories of inside the heads of the kids to help the parents become more empathetic

Cons
- Having almost no consequences for the kids actions breeds entitlement
- Taking away things like TV or video games is not punishment but instead removing a privilege
- Kids need to be taught that electronic entertainment is a privilege to be earned
- Time out is an excellent way for a child to think through their own emotions as long as you use it compassionately
- Time out can be called meditation time instead. Help kids close their eyes and help calm themselves down

"How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk" is a much much better book and child rearing.

Excellent tips!

Great examples and tips. Reading easy to follow. Clear and simple language. I see myself returning to this book several times.

a good read with a lot of good ideas.

A good read with a lot of good ideas. The author truly understands what it's like to be a parent of more than one child.

Awesome book gives you the tools needed

This book gives you real life tools that you can apply immediately at a range of ages. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to become a better more peaceful parent as well as adjusting to a new sibling.

Love the book!!

What a great book -- content and audio! Love all the examples provided!!! Will listen to this book a few more times. Easy to listen to.