Customer Reviews
Definitely worth a read - By: Paula Kearns, 15 Jul 2006 
I bought this book because my 1 & 3 year olds were killing each other daily, & I was at my wits' end. I found this book really helpful, & it has definitely improved things, & helped me understand what's going on. Of course a lot of it relates to older siblings, but I found that interesting too, & I'm sure it is a book I will return to for help over the years. If your kids' fighting is getting you down, buy this book!
Brilliant insight into sibling relationships! - By: , 01 Sep 2005 A wonderful & extremely easy to read book with great & usable tips on how to give your children the best chance of getting along together. No heavy 'text book' style here - it's not even a case of 'sounds good but how could I ever manage to put it into practise?'...
With great illustrations/cartoons, 'Quick reminder' lists at the end of each topic & a good index, it's easy to flick through & find just what you're looking for, without having to read the whole book again (not that having to do that would be a disaster!)
The book also gives adults an insight into their own relationships with their siblings - I've told my mother, sister & husband that they just MUST read it.
On reading the dedicationin the front of the book: "To all the grown-up siblings who still have a hurt child inside them.", I knew that this was the book I had been looking for!
Congratulations & thanks to Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish - a brilliant book!!
This is for everyone, even if you don't have children! - By: Daniel Kim, 23 Mar 2005 I have to disagree with one of the reviews regarding it's 'American' approach & delivery & for 'older children'. This book is enlightening. It helps you understand your own siblings & the wayin which your parents dealt with rivalry. This book provides the data it collected from the focus groups or group sessions. They are honest & straight forward. Anyone who understands social research knows that gathering datain this fashion (especially when they conducted it originally) is more than appropriate if not necessary.
This book give basic & fundamental ways of speaking we should all learn.
Thought provoking and practical. - By: , 16 Feb 2005 I first read this book when my children were 4 & 6, & their relational issues were mostly centred on 'sharing' & 'learning to be gentle'. Many of the issues/situations coveredin the book had not yet arisenin our family. Now that they are older, 6 & 8, & the older one has learnt that he can be vicious with his words, & the younger one manipulative with his emotional reactions I have dipped into it again, & it has proved extremely helpful. To start with it has helped me to reflect on my own experiences, growing up with my brother, & the reasons why siblings clash & how parents can make the situation both worse & better. The most positive part of the book is that it helps you, the parent, to help your children take responsibility for handling & expressing their feelings & managing their disagreements. Hopefully these will become valuable skills for their future relationshipsin life too. I have recommended the book to numerous friends. I recently lent my copy of the book to someone, but I cannot remember who it was, so I have GOT to buy a new one. I'm going to need to refer to it many times over the next few years I feel!
Sanity Saver - By: Clive Harris, 22 Jul 2004 In desperation as a single parent father I bought this book & the other (F&M) one about How to talk so kids will listen.... What a revelation they are. By acknowledging children's feelings & allowing them to talk most of the conflict has gone. By describing rather than bossing around co-operation has increased. It has not been easy & I still have a long way to go but things are a lot more relaxed. By removing the "competing & comparing with each other" part of the sibling relationship much of the brother & sister conflict & fighting has gone. I also found the idea of family meetings really helpful. By getting the children to contribute to the solution there is definitely more co-operation.
I have no hesitationin recommending it. In fact it probably needs to be compulsory for all parents. Also check out their website www.fabermazlish.com
