"Packed with practical insights, wisdom and fun, Parking Lot Rules hits the bull's eye when it comes to helping our children. Every parent must read it."
Meg Meeker, M.D., author of Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know
"Tom Sturges' Parking Lot Rules is a well-written, entertaining, and supremely practical guide to leading our kids into adulthood safely and strongly. Even as a so-called parenting expert, I found myself surprised by Sturges' creative solutions and strongly motivated to put them into place in my own home."
Hal Runkel, family therapist and national bestselling author of ScreamFree Parenting: The Revolutionary Guide to Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool
| PARKING LOT RULES & 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children by Tom Sturges Foreword by Eli Lieber, Ph.D. |
| April 26, 2008 |
How do you raise amazing children?How do you teach them to be kind and honest, insightful and inquisitive, athletic, curious, loving and gracious, and thoughtful?How do you give your child the courage to be a good sport, a good sibling, a good friend, a good person? Author and father Tom Sturges answers these questions in PARKING LOT RULES & 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children (Ballantine Books Hardcover; May 6, 2008).When Surges became a father, he wanted to be the greatest father that ever walked the earth: "I wanted to be so much more than a casual observer of my son's life as it went by me." So Sturges asked a lot of questions. He picked up ideas, advice, and tips from parents, grandparents, even rock stars and sports legends - anyone who had unique insights to share. The result is this practical, inspiring "rule book" for raising healthy, happy, safe, cherished children. Philosophical, sensible, and empowering, these 76 ideas subscribe to a simple premise: It is impossible to respect a child too much, but it is worth the effort to try.The rules are organized into seven fields, arranged by subject, and will help parents and mentors and coaches and anyone who has children, to deal with an array of situations, in a kind and respectful and encouraging way. EVERYDAY:Let your children feel welcome and loved from the first moment they walk into a room. "Smile When You See Him" and leave no doubt that, at that moment, your child is the most important person in your world. COMMUNICATING:Since yelling parents intimidate and a calm tone inspires, "When You Get Upset, Whisper" - and make sure you message is heard. MANNERS MATTERS:Follow "The Bill Walton Rule," and if you can't be on time, be early. NO LOST CHILDREN:When a family or group travels together, obey "The Caboose Rule" by assigning an adult or older child to keep up the rear - and ensure that no little ones lag behind. DISCIPLINES AND PUNISHMENTS: "The 10-Second Rule‚" is at least how long you should wait before thinking about punishing your child for that "D‚" in English. PAIN HAPPENS, NOW WHAT?: After your child experiences a little cut, bump, or a scrape, say ‚"Squeeze My Hand As Much As It Hurts"; it is remarkable how being able to "show" you how much will help to ease his or her pain. PLAY SPORTS, PERIOD:When your children accomplish something great in their sports, tell the story in intimate detail and fill them with the belief that they can do it again and again, using "The ESPN Rule." PARKING LOT RULES puts a fresh, new spin on parenting and other relationships with children, in an inspiring handbook full of heart and kindness, that will resonate with joy and meaning for parents and children everywhere. PARKING LOT RULES & 75 Other Ideas for Raising Amazing Children by Tom Sturges Ballantine Books Hardcover 978-0-345-50373-2 <-> $20.00 <-> 224 pages |