Must Read: Parenting for a Peaceful World

[jenn_unplugged]

I'm reading Parenting For A Peaceful World right now, and it's a fascinating read. It starts by tracing the history of human childhood through the ages, and the picture is not only unpleasant; it's horrific. The author states that prior to the 20th century, there is NO evidence that any child, anywhere, escaped what we would today call severe

Comments

[sassywoman]

I think I should start with Alfie Kohn before reading this. Thoughts?

[jenn_unplugged]

I think you could go either way. PPW gives a great historical perspective, supported by a broad base of research, and you might prefer that. Kohn's book is definitely perspective-shifting, and if you start with that PPW would then fill in more of the gaps Kohn blasts in your thinking about parenting.

Bear in mind that both books are not really parenting books so much as books about the philosophy of parenting. You're academically-oriented, so you'll probably like that as I did, but some people seem frustrated that Kohn in particular is not very practically-oriented.

I can't wait to hear what you think!

[sassywoman]

I think I"ll start with Kohn based on your comments. Which book should I start with (assuming there is more then one on parenting)?

[jenn_unplugged]

Unconditional Parenting is the book I would recommend. He also has lots of articles on his web page that are in the same vein. He writes about both parenting and education (he is a former elementary school teacher), and I use some of his teaching articles in my courses.

Happy reading!

[sassywoman]

Thank you!!!! I'm looking forward to it!