Raising Cooperative Kids - by Marion Forgatch & Gerald Patterson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Secrets To Becoming The Very Best Parent You Can Be

Be there for your children every step of the way and give them memorable experiences.

What's the recipe for a happy family? It's collaboration and communication. Instilling a spirit of cooperation in your children is the real secret to providing the gift of a happy childhood, being a "good" parent, and building the family you have always wanted.

Perfect your parenting techniques. Research psychologists Marion Forgatch and Gerald Patterson have over 40 years of practice and tested clinical and prevention trials. Their Raising Cooperative Kids provides a universal and easy to use manual no matter where you live or how your family is structured. Discover the formula for overcoming family struggles and inspiring children to cooperate─from toddlerhood into their teens.

• Change unwanted behaviors
• Teach your children new behaviors
• Reduce family conflicts

Specific guidance is included for issues ranging from how to share the bathroom during the morning rush to what to do when a child misbehaves. The authors also remind us of the importance of play─enjoying each other and sharing time and activities together is the cornerstone of a connected, happy family.

If you enjoyed books like The Whole-Brain Child, What to Expect When You're Expecting, or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, then you'll want to read Raising Cooperative Kids.

Review Quotes

"Raising Cooperative Kids provides clear, commonsense strategies for accomplishing exactly what the title calls for. The behaviors that parents want to see in their children are, for the most part, universal. And, according to the authors, the key to achieving these behaviors is gained through cooperation and connection. Raising Cooperative Kids would make a useful addition to any public library parenting collection." --Joyce McIntosh, Booklist--Joyce McIntosh "Booklist"

"The authors, family psychologists who founded the Oregon Social Learning Center, adopt as their mission showing parents how to create a conflict-free home environment. Having observed thousands of parents and their children over the course of almost 50 years, the authors conclude that successful families share a spirit of cooperation that generates harmonious teamwork. They codify a set of simple, sequential, easy-to-follow strategies for parents of children from toddlerhood through the tween years. Changing established unwanted behaviors is tougher than teaching new ones, but here is a skill repertoire, presented throughout the 10 chapters, which parents can use with confidence. These skills include setting clear parental directions, encouraging good behavior with a reward system, using structured family meetings for problem-solving, and creating productive routines and learning environments. Finally, chapter 10 urges parents to present a united front. In sum, the authors tell parents how to identify their strengths and weaknesses and effectively teach and lead their kids. With lively family stories, useful dialogue, and checklists, this book is also indicative of the trend toward rediscovering generations-old, traditional parenting techniques." -Publishers Weekly-- "Publishers Weekly"

An excellent book which brings the best of longstanding, proven, and highly effective parenting practices to the modern age. This book is a must for every parent and every professional that works with children. --Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D, author of 10 Days to a Less Defiant Child--Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D

An excellent guide for parents who want to raise happy, well-adjusted children! Based on years of clinical and research experience, this user-friendly book emphasizes the importance of practicing skills and is filled with strategies and examples. I highly recommend Raising Cooperative Kids to parents, students-in-training, and therapists. --Rex Forehand, PhD, author of Parenting the Strong-Willed Child--Rex Forehand, PhD

Marion and Jerry are the foremost experts on parenting in the world and their research, writing and professional work have helped millions of families. The information in this book is based on rigorous scientific study. As a parent I trusted these principles in raising my own children. As a professor and clinician, I spread the word to clinicians in training in their work with families. If you are going to rely on one book to secure a better future for your children, this is the book to use. --Thomas J. Dishion, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Psychology, Arizona State University--Thomas J. Dishion, Ph.D.

This book is a special gift to accomplish one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs we will face in our lifetime: raising children. Marion and Jerry share their years of experience studying human behavior and give simple, yet powerful, tools to help parents. You will see yourself in some of the chapters, sometimes doing the right thing, sometimes doing the wrong thing. Enjoy the gift, have fun practicing and take comfort that you're doing the best you can. --Jim Wotring, Senior Deputy Director, Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, DC--Jim Wotring

This is a wonderful book with clear, easy-to-apply, and workable techniques based on both clinical experience and research. From defining and setting goals to the critical importance of family play, Raising Cooperative Kids provides a concise and practical blueprint for parents who want to enjoy their kids. --Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D., author 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12--Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D.

About the Author

Marion S. Forgatch, PhD, founder of Implementation Sciences International Inc., and senior scientist emerita at the Oregon Social Learning Center, is a frequent speaker at professional conferences. Her awards include the Distinguished Contribution to Family Systems Research from the American Family Therapy Academy. She is coauthor with Dr. Patterson of the book Parents and Adolescents Living Together.
Gerald R. Patterson, PhD, founder of the Oregon Social Learning Center, is well known for his pioneering work in child and family psychology. His awards include the Distinguished Scientific Award from the American Psychological Association.
Tim Friend is an award winning journalist with two decades of experience as a national reporter covering science and medicine. He is the author of Animal Talk: Breaking the Codes of Animal Language.